N.P.U.
A SINGULAR CUVÉE
The cuvée N.P.U. – «Nec Plus Ultra», was born from the desire to create, whatever the costs and constraints, the greatest wine from Champagne. To do this, the most demanding choices have been made at all stages of its development. From this crazy dream is born a Champagne with the most absolute vinification…
The grapes selected to create this cuvée come exclusively from 7 of the most sought-after Grands Crus of the Champagne region: Oger, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Chouilly, Cramant, Verzenay, Mailly-Champagne, and Bouzy. Fermentation was conducted in small old oak barrels in which the wines spent their first 10 months.
An exceptional ageing: 10 years in the cellar then 2 years of rest after disgorging. The dosage is very low, 3g/L, practically insensitive.
THE BLEND
50% PINOT NOIR
50% CHARDONNAY
AGEING
10 YEARS
ON THE LESS
2 YEARS AFTER DISGORGEMENT
AVAILABILITY
75 cl
150 cl
Disgorged in April 2019 with three grams per liter dosage, Paillard’s 2008 Extra-Brut N.P.U. Nec Plus Ultra unwinds in the glass with notes of pear and citrus mingled with hazelnut, toasted bread, dried fruits and warm biscuits.
Medium to full-bodied, taut and chiseled, it’s concentrated and complex, its tightly wound mid-palate complemented by a pearly mousse and underpinned by chalky grip.
While it’s introverted today, this is a classic in the making that will show brilliantly with more age on cork, even if it will always remain a comparatively lean, acid-driven marathon runner of a Champagne.
Drink Date 2025 – 2040
Robert Parker Wine Advocate
EXTRAORDINARY VINTAGES…
N.P.U. _ Nec Plus Ultra will only be made in years which we consider to be great.
Eight have been made to date, with varying temperaments: the powerful 1990; the generous 1995; the whimsical 1996; the great classic 1999; the audacious 2003; the celebrated 2002; and the ample 2004. Today, 2008 in all its depth is presented to you.
2008 VINTAGE
After a wet and mild winter without any lasting cold spell, the spring began with some very localized frosts. The cooler weather returned in June, which slowed down the flowering. During the main part of the vegetative period, low sunshine levels further contributed to the cool season. The temperature, from spring to autumn, was nevertheless slightly higher than the average of the previous 30 years.
The harvest began on September 15th with mild, dry and breezy weather during the day and cool nights; it lasted for three weeks. This allowed the grapes to gradually ripened while preserving a good acidity. 2008 is thus recognised as a stellar Champagne vintage for those who have the patience to wait.
TASTING NOTES
APPEARANCE
Deep, bright yellow gold with fine, shimmering effervescence gently and gracefully rising in the glass.
NOZ
At first, notes of incredibly fresh red fruits (redcurrants, raspberries, blueberries, wild strawberries) mixed with stone fruits (Bigarreau cherries) and candied orange peel. Little by little, the aromas of fresh ginger and peppermint unfold, evolving towards slightly more smoky characters and notes of cocoa powder and quince paste revived by fresh honeysuckle.
PALATE
The attack is precise and fresh, powerful and serene all at once. The vivacity of the vintage shows a delightful balance allowing the depth of the wine to be further explored supported by its silky texture. The nose and widely complex, aromatic palate continue to develop into a long, lingering finish.
THE PERFECT MATCH
Like any great white wine, this cuvée requires a slightly cooler temperature (8°C to 10°C to start with – it will gradually warm up afterwards) and the use of a glass with a fairly large body and a slightly narrower rim. This wine, which is admittedly demanding, will only reveal itself slowly.
In terms of food and wine pairing, N.P.U – Nec Plus Ultra 2008 offers many possibilities from a lightly smoked veal tartar to quail with foie gras, from grilled langoustines to saffron risotto with clams…
