95 pts Vinous Media
Drinking Window 2026-2042
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. - By Antonio Galloni on April 2025

96 pts Wine Advocate
Drink Date: 2026 - 2047
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.

Our Note: Shimmering medium gold color. The nose is pronounced, earthy wet stones, mixed citrus but mostly white fruits, florals, spices, mushroom.  The palate is interesting, multidimensional and changing in the glass. The acidity is fresh, med+ but so well integrated. Very complex, plenty of life ahead of this one. Fresh, powerful, long, and mouthwatering finish.

This exceptional cuvée, created in 1964 in tribute to the House’s founder, is the result of a blend of the best terroirs from the Montagne de Reims (Pinot Noir) and the Côte des Blancs vineyards (Chardonnay). Its vinification, partly in traditional oak casks, underpins the generous character of this fine, elegant and rich wine.

• 100% grands crus and premiers crus
• 60% of Pinot Noir from the Montagne de Reims and the Grande Vallée de la Marne (Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, Aÿ and Verzenay)
• 40% of Chardonnay from Côte des Blancs (Mesnil-sur-Oger, Chouilly, Avize)
• Partial malolactic fermentation (less than 20% normally and naturally)
• 10% wines vinified in oak casks
• Aging on lees, on average: 120 months
• Dosage: 3.8g/l