The 2008 Billecart-Salmon Nicolas François Billecart Brut is a Champagne blend consisting of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay. This wine hails from the renowned Champagne region of France and is produced by Billecart-Salmon. It is a white wine with a cork closure and an alcohol content of 12.5%.
This vintage has undergone significant aging, with 150 months on lees before being disgorged in the summer of 2022. The dosage is extremely low at 2.9 grams per liter, resulting in an Extra Brut style that is notably dry.
Decanter awarded this wine a score of 95, describing it as "reserved, taut and subtle" with flavors of "sourdough, confit lemon, and gentle blackberry Pinot fruit." The reviewer noted its "cool, clean and lightly creamy" texture and predicted that it would gain more expressiveness with time under cork.
James Suckling provided an excellent review, scoring it 97 points. He praised the wine's "lovely precision and drive" and highlighted its aromas of "lemon curd, brioche, praline, apricots, pomelos, mandarin zest, and salted caramel." Suckling commended its balance, noting the combination of "structure and softness" and a "beautifully elegant and seamless finish."
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate gave the wine a score of 96, noting its "delicate, pure, clean bouquet" with aromas of "orchard fruits, spring flowers, honey, and licorice." The review described the palate as "medium to full-bodied, chiseled, and crystalline" with a "chalky texture" and a "long, penetrating, and salty" finish.
Vinous also awarded the wine 96 points, describing it as "potent and young" with "angular contours" and a "classically austere" nature. The reviewer noted that the wine is starting to gain some weight but remains true to its lean vintage.
Wine Spectator scored it 94 points, highlighting its "vibrant acidity" and "lacy mousse" as well as flavors of "black currant, apricot fruit, preserved lemon, toast, and ground coffee." The review also mentioned "minerally hints of oyster shell and brine" that linger on the finish.
The Wine Independent's Sarah Mayo awarded it 95+ points, describing it as "bursting from the glass with crisp aromas of ripe yellow apple, lemon tart, cold butter on fresh brioche, and flower honey." The palate was noted for its "dynamic acid line" and "lithe and ethereal notes of stone fruit and chalk."
Finally, Jeb Dunnuck provided the highest score at 98 points, praising the wine's "layered and long" profile with aromas of "truffle, apricot, croissant, floral orange blossoms, and marmalade." The review highlighted its "full-bodied" nature, "supple texture," and "long-lasting, mouthwatering finish."
Overall, the 2008 Billecart-Salmon Nicolas François Billecart Brut is a highly esteemed Champagne with significant aging potential, showcasing a balance of structure, elegance, and complexity.