The 2002 Billecart-Salmon Nicolas Francois Billecart Brut is a Champagne blend that has earned high praise from critics, showcasing its exceptional quality and complexity. Sourced from a combination of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay, this wine reflects the remarkable 2002 vintage, known for its power and elegance.
Neal Martin, in his Wine Journal, highlights the wine's "vibrant, animated bouquet" with notes of "Alpine stream, white peaches, and apricot blossom," awarding it a score of 94. Wine Enthusiast is even more enthusiastic, giving it a 96 and praising its "ripe fruits, rich texture, and layers of toast," calling it a "great wine" that will continue to improve with age.
Wine Spectator describes the Champagne as having an "almost ethereal quality" with a "rich range of blackberry pâte de fruit, crystallized honey, and grilled nut," scoring it a 95. Decanter and Robert Parker's Wine Advocate both rate the wine at 97, with Decanter noting its "brilliant harmony and balance" and highlighting flavors like "truffle honey on buttered toast" and "pineapple tarte tatin." Robert Parker's Wine Advocate appreciates its "complex bouquet" and "rich and layered core," deeming it one of the finest releases from Billecart in the last decade.
Wine & Spirits gives it a 94, emphasizing the youthful brightness and floral notes despite its age, while James Suckling awards it an impressive 98, lauding its depth, freshness, and "super long and dense" finish.
Overall, the 2002 Billecart-Salmon Nicolas Francois Billecart Brut is a superb Champagne that combines complexity, freshness, and a capacity for further aging, making it a standout from the 2002 vintage.