Billecart-Salmon - Brut Cuvee Nicolas Francois Billecart 2012 (750ml)

Price: $232.99

Producer	Billecart-Salmon
Country	France
Region	Champagne
Varietal	Pinot Noir, Chardonnay
Vintage	2012
Sku	203086
Size	750ml

Wine Advocate: 96 Points

Billecart-Salmon’s 2012 Nicolas François marks the first release since 2008 and stands as another success. The fundamentals remain unchanged: settling and fermentation at low temperatures, a small proportion vinified in oak barrels and partial malolactic fermentation (20% was blocked in 2012). This vintage was characterized by a prolonged flowering period, significant rainfall and mildew pressure, resulting in a small crop. The harvest of fruit, which contributed to this cuvée, took place between September 17 and 22. "It was crucial to select only the ripest fruit, as maturation varied significantly between plots," explains Billecart’s head winemaker, Florent Nys. But what of the wine itself? Disgorged in May 2023 with a dosage of 3.8 grams per liter, it exudes aromas of candied lemon, honeysuckle and ripe peach, mingling with nuances of beeswax and orange zest. On the palate, it is full-bodied, ample and enveloping, boasting a layered, concentrated core, a chalky structure and mouthwatering acidity, despite the warm vintage. It concludes with a persistent, saline finish, hinting at the savory complexity that has emerged with such notable bottle age. Compared to the 2008, which remains tightly coiled, the 2012 is broader-shouldered and more demonstrative.

*****

Among the new releases are the two vintage-dated cuvées: the 2012 Nicolas François and the 2009 Le Clos Saint-Hilaire. The 2012 Nicolas François is the first release of this wine since 2008, as the Pinot Noir from the 2009 harvest was reserved for their Elisabeth Salmon Rosé, while the less-favorable 2010 and 2011 harvests were not deemed sufficient for standalone cuvées. The 2012 vintage, characterized by a significantly smaller yield due to rain and mildew pressure, resulted in a modest crop of approximately 7,000 kilograms per hectare. Harvest for the fruit used in this cuvée took place between September 17 and 22, with Chardonnay reaching 10.6% and Pinot Noir 11% potential alcohol. The core principles remain unchanged: a majority of old vines, settling and fermentation at low temperatures, mostly vinified in tank (with just 10% in oak) and a partial blocking of malolactic fermentation (20% blocked in the case of the 2012). As for the dosage, it was made with a liqueur from Chardonnay, vinified in oak.

Vinous: 95 Points

From: 2025 Champagne: New Releases (Apr 2025) The 2012 Brut Cuvée Nicolas François Billecart shows all the natural radiance of the year. There's gorgeous resonance and texture here. Apricot, spice, tangerine oil and lightly honeyed notes infuse the palate with notable depth and persistence. This rich, expansive Champage has a ton to offer. This release was disgorged nearly two years ago, which also adds to its complexity. Dosage is 3.8 grams per liter. Disgorged: May 2023.

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