'One of the most beautiful Champagnes I have ever tasted' - Matthew Jukes

In 1999, Champagne critic Richard Juhlin asked all of the top Champagne houses to submit bottles of what they considered their greatest ever wines for an historic tasting. This was to become known as The Millennium Tasting, pitting the best against the very best. At Billecart-Salmon, it was Francois who took Juhlin's call. Without giving it too much thought - he now fondly recalls - he submitted the 1959 and 1961. Those wines came first and second, beating all other illustrious comers such as Krug, Dom Perignon and Cristal.

Now Billecart is releasing the 2002 Cuvee Nicolas Francois. As all you Champagne watchers will know only too well, there were perfect growing conditions in the 2002 vintage: a warm summer with lots of sun, and a long, dry autumn. In fact the 2002 vintage is thought by some the equal of the legendary '64 - the year that inspired the first issue of Nicolas-Francois. Like every grower in the region Francois Billecart was convinced of 2002's quality from the start. He's been excited about it ever since. /AR

'Billecart releases its vintage wine later than everyone else. This is because they want it to taste utterly mesmerising when you open the bottle and this is exactly what happens when you pop the cork on codename '02NF. This exceptional cuvée was created in 1964 as a tribute to the House’s founder. It is made from solely Grand Cru fruit and it is one of the most beautiful Champagnes I have ever tasted. With fascinating precision, microscopic bubbles and hauntingly beautiful fruit this wine possesses the most balletic and serene flavours imaginable. It tastes awesome now and will continue to evolve for twenty years. Do everything you can to get your hands on this wine.' - Matthew Jukes, MoneyWeek, 12 December 2014

Offered subject to remaining unsold; available April 2015