The Bruno Paillard N.P.U. (Nec Plus Ultra) 2009 is the house’s flagship prestige cuvée and one of Champagne’s most sought-after wines. Produced only in exceptional vintages, the 2009 release is just the ninth edition ever made. Sourced exclusively from six Grand Cru villages—Oger, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Chouilly, Verzenay, Mailly-Champagne and Bouzy—it is an equal blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The base wines are fermented entirely in small oak barrels before spending more than 12 years on lees and a further 18 months post-disgorgement, resulting in extraordinary depth and complexity. Only 9,659 bottles and 379 magnums were produced.
The nose is remarkably layered, opening with candied citrus, Mirabelle plum, white flowers and cherry before evolving into ginger, nutmeg, sandalwood and subtle pastry notes. The palate is powerful yet impeccably controlled, combining richness and concentration with vibrant freshness and persistent salinity. Notes of preserved lemon, dried fruits, hazelnut, spice and chalky minerality unfold slowly across a long, seamless finish. Critics have been unanimous in their praise, with James Suckling awarding 95 points, Wine Enthusiast 95 points and Decanter highlighting the wine’s combination of weight, complexity and elegance.
Ben’s Recommendation:
A truly world-class prestige Champagne and one of the finest releases from Bruno Paillard to date. Profound, layered and exceptionally age-worthy, it belongs alongside the great tête de cuvée Champagnes from the region. Pair it with lobster, langoustines, scallops, caviar or refined poultry dishes where its depth and saline precision can shine. While already magnificent, this is a wine built for the long haul and should continue to evolve beautifully through 2045–2050 and beyond.
