2008 Bruno Paillard N.P.U. Nec Plus Ultra Rosé

Champagne house Bruno Paillard

Bruno Paillard founded his champagne house in Reims in 1981 with one clear mission: to produce the purest and most refined Champagnes. From the outset, the vision was to create wines with elegance, tension, and minimal dosage. Only the first pressing of the grapes is used, and the aging in the bottle is exceptionally long. Bruno Paillard's style is taut, mineral, and complex, with an emphasis on freshness and precision. The NPU (Nec Plus Ultra) represents the pinnacle of this philosophy and is produced exclusively in the very best years.

The NPU “Nec Plus Ultra” collection

The NPU (Nec Plus Ultra, literally "nothing better") is the flagship cuvée of the Bruno Paillard estate and is produced only in exceptional vintages. For the 2008 edition, only grapes from Grand Cru villages such as Oger, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Chouilly, Cramant, Verzenay, Mailly-Champagne, and Bouzy were used. The blend is equal parts Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. First fermentation took place in small French oak barrels, where the wine spent ten months developing complexity and subtle oak notes. This was followed by a second fermentation in the bottle and an exceptionally long aging of over ten years on the lees at a constant temperature of 10.5°C. The wine was disgorged in April 2019 and received a minimum dosage of just 3 grams per liter. Only 18,142 bottles were produced, each individually numbered.

The 2008 vintage

The 2008 vintage is considered one of the most impressive Champagne vintages of the 21st century. A cool and relatively wet spring was followed by a sunny late summer with warm days and cool nights. Harvest began on September 15th and proceeded under perfect conditions. The grapes reached optimal ripeness while retaining high acidity and aromatic intensity. This balance gives 2008 Champagnes exceptional aging potential, and the NPU 2008 is a prime example.

Review by The Wine Advocate

The 2008 Bruno Paillard NPU Nec Plus Ultra Rosé received 95 points from The Wine Advocate . Reviewer Yohan Castaing described the wine as "dense and complex, with aromas of red berries, blood orange, orchard fruit, pepper, verbena, and spring flowers." On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied, structured, and elegant, with a long, ethereal finish. The wine displays refined freshness, clarity, and a subtle gastronomic bitterness that makes it ideal for pairing with refined dishes. According to Castaing, this Champagne deserves cellar aging, but it is already impressive in its expression. The optimal drinking period is from 2023 to 2043.

Tasting note

The wine displays a deep, glossy salmon pink color with a fine, lingering mousse. The nose opens with fresh notes of red berries, raspberries, and wild strawberries, followed by hints of cherry, candied orange peel, and subtle accents of ginger, cocoa, and honey blossom. On the palate, the attack is lively and precise, followed by a silky texture with powerful depth. The wine is simultaneously energetic and serene, with a long, mineral finish that combines finesse and structure. The balance between maturity and tension is exemplary – a Champagne that will demonstrate its class both now and in twenty years.

Maturation and serving tip

The NPU Rosé 2008 is best served between 8°C and 10°C, preferably in a large wine glass to fully express its aromas. It is excellent to drink now, but will deepen with further bottle aging until at least 2043. This Champagne is living proof that time, patience, and precision can result in a wine of pure elegance and complexity.

Would you like to order Bruno Paillard wines online?

If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you these when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pickup" at the checkout page. We're located in Dordrecht, just off the A16 motorway with ample parking. Click here for our address. You can read the full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others. Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grand Cru customers.

Wine and food pairings

• Langoustines with beurre blanc – the fine mousse and subtle brioche notes enhance the dish's soft texture.
• Pan-fried scallops with saffron risotto – the spicy notes and rich mouthfeel complement the creamy texture of the risotto perfectly.
• Tuna tartare with grapefruit – the freshness and slight bitterness of the wine enhance the citrus character of the dish.
• Pheasant with cranberry sauce – the spicy, earthy notes of the wine harmonize with the delicate game.
• Caviar with lemon butter – the saltiness and mineral tension of the champagne elevate this dish.
• Redfish with cauliflower cream – the refined texture and elegant acidity bring balance and refinement.