SIZE

3 PACK, 1500ml BOTTLES, $679.99 EACH

PRODUCER

Billecart-Salmon

VINTAGE

2008

COLOUR

Sparkling

REGION, COUNTRY

Champagne, France

GRAPE

Pinot Noir, Chardonnay

 

A beautiful golden yellow, glinting with bright sparkles. The glittering, crystalline appearance is set off by an eruption of finely chiselled bubbles.  This impressive vintage with great depth, tense and mineral, characterised by an elegant vinosity, offers you all the distinction of a well-aged champagne. Served at cellar temperature (11°C to 12°C), this cuvée will bring out the flavours of an excellent sole in lemon butter or a delicious milk-fed veal chop with chanterelle mushrooms.

 

97 Points, Decanter

On release this is reserved, taut and subtle, with sourdough, confit lemon and gentle blackberry Pinot fruit presented with daring dryness (just 2.9g/L residual sugar) and intensity. The texture surrounding the firm acidity is cool, clean and lightly creamy, the mousse beautifully delicate. Somewhat inscrutable and firm at the moment, this structured and lean Cuvée Nicolas François stands to gain considerable expressiveness with time under cork. Made from 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay from 83% grand cru vineyards. 17% oak-vinified with 150 months on lees, disgorged in summer 2022. Drink  2028 - 2038

SIZE

1 PACK, 1500ml BOTTLES, $939.99 EACH

PRODUCER

Bruno Paillard

VINTAGE

2008

COLOUR

Sparkling

REGION, COUNTRY

Champagne, France

GRAPE

Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier

 

The cuvée N.P.U. - «Nec Plus Ultra», was born from the desire to create, whatever the costs and constraints, the greatest wine from Champagne. To do this, the most demanding choices have been made at all stages of its development. From this crazy dream is born a Champagne with the most absolute vinification...

 

Deep, bright yellow gold with fine, shimmering effervescence gently and gracefully rising in the glass. At first, notes of incredibly fresh red fruits (redcurrants, raspberries, blueberries, wild strawberries) mixed with stone fruits (Bigarreau cherries) and candied orange peel. Little by little, the aromas of fresh ginger and peppermint unfold, evolving towards slightly more smoky characters and notes of cocoa powder and quince paste revived by fresh honeysuckle.

 

The attack is precise and fresh, powerful and serene all at once. The vivacity of the vintage shows a delightful balance allowing the depth of the wine to be further explored supported by its silky texture. The nose and widely complex, aromatic palate continue to develop into a long, lingering finish.

 

95 Points, James Suckling

Figs, quince, toast, hazelnuts, walnuts and white chocolate on the nose. It’s medium-bodied, focused and full of energy, with persistent layers of dried fruit and nuts, accompanied by very fine bubbles. Long. Dry and mineral on the finish. Chardonnay and pinot noir. Drink now or hold. 

SIZE

3 PACK, 1500ml BOTTLES, $367.99 EACH

PRODUCER

Bruno Paillard

VINTAGE

2012 

COLOUR

Sparkling

REGION, COUNTRY

Champagne, France

GRAPE

Pinot Noir, Chardonnay

 

 

94 Points, Jamie Goode

12% alcohol. A blend of Pinot Noir (60%) and Chardonnay (40%) from eight crus. 20% fermented in used French oak barrels. Eight years on lees followed by 16 months post-disgorgement aging (something Bruno insists on). Disgorged in March 2020 with a typically low dosage of 4.5g/litre. This has a beguiling aromatic nose with some honey, marzipan, nut and toast, but leaving room for the vibrant fruity notes of cherry, apple and lemon. There’s lovely acidity on the palate that isn’t obscured by too much dosage, and it breathes life into the cherry, table grape and lemony fruit, with some orange peel and almond nuts, as well as a tapering lemony finish with a hint of seaweed and oyster shell. Complex, covering lots of different layers of the flavour spectrum, finishing assertive and bright. A serious effort.