Billecart Salmon 'Assemblage' Duo Gift Box: 2008 Nicolas Francois & Flagship Brut Reserve   

From Producer: NICOLAS FRANÇOIS 2008 This exceptional cuvée was created in 1964 as a tribute to the House’s founder. It results from the blending of Grands Crus from the classified Côte des Blancs vineyards (Chardonnay) and the Montagne de Reims (Pinot Noir). Its vinification, partially in traditional oak casks, underpins the generous character of this fine, elegant and rich wine. Formulation 83% Grands crus and 17% de Premiers crus: 60% Pinot Noir from the Premiers and Grands crus of the Montagne de Reims and the Grande Vallée de la Marne (Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, Aÿ, Ambonnay, Bouzy, Verzenay et Verzy) 40% Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs (Mesnil, Chouilly, Cramant, Vertus) 17% wines vinifidied in oak casks Aged on lees: 150 months Dosage: 2,9 g/l Available format and recommended ageing potential Bottle and magnum: more than 10 years Aroma: It combines all the richness of an aromatic curve, both complex and refreshing. Fine intense notes of orchard fruits, combined with the characters of nuts and stone fruit (lightly roasted flaked almonds, frangipani, candied mandarin peel) and accentuated by the radiance of a floral persistence (acacia flower and rose petal). Palate: The balance of a tension achieved by the fullness of the wine (fresh yellow raspberry, fresh quince, honey biscuits and lemon caviar) symbolised by the conduct of noble flavours (fresh fig, liquorice and pigeon heart tomato). A texture with a strong personality, with its limestone imprint and an incredible intensity, curbed by its fully integrated low dosage. The finish with a rare complexity develops towards notes of toasted bread and bergamot. Tasting: 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. Appearance: A beautiful golden yellow, glinting with bright sparkles. The glittering, crystalline appearance is set off by an eruption of finely chiselled bubbles. BRUT RESERVE The Brut Réserve is a light, fine and harmonious champagne. It is made up of a blend from three different years and sourced from the best sites in the Champagne region. Formulation 30% Pinot Noir from the Montagne de Reims and the Grande Vallée de la Marne 30% Chardonnay sourced from the best Crus in the Champagne region 40% Pinot Meunier from the Vallée de la Marne and the southern slopes of Epernay Vinification in stainless steel tanks 50% to 60% reserve wines Ageing on lees: 30 months Available formats and recommended ageing potential Half-Bottle: 1 to 2 years Bottle : 2 to 4 years Magnum and jeroboam : 4 to 8 years Mathusalem et nabuchodonosor : 4 to 8 years Appearance: With reflections of straw yellow, this cuvée is recognisable by the finesse of its slowly rising bubbles and its persistent and plentiful mousse. Overall it portrays a luminous radiance of sparkling youthfulness. Aroma: A distinct and precise intensity with an ethereal character, followed by a natural and radiant freshness. With the presence of a perfect primary example (floral and fresh fruits), highlighted by a volatility of very pure and lightly biscuit aromas. Palate: A subtle pleasure with a delicate texture under the charm of white flesh fruit flavours (apples, crunchy pears). With a beautiful fluidity of a delicious lightness uniting gourmand flavours of springtime. Tasting: The ideal partner for every occasion. It is perfect as an aperitif and can be enjoyed with a wide variety of dishes. Serve at: 8/9°C