75cl
Champagne Bruno Paillard N.P.U. Nec Plus Ultra 2004 Extra Brut
Vendor code : 1432
N.P.U. – “Nec Plus Ultra” was conceived as the house’s ultimate expression, with every decision taken at the highest level at each stage of its creation. It is a cuvée that stands at the peak of the Bruno Paillard range. Only 7,119 bottles were produced.
Color
White
Fortress
12%
Country
France
Region
Champagne
Producer
Bruno Paillard
Grape
Pinot Meunier; Chardonnay; Pinot Noir
Vintage
2004
N.P.U. Nec Plus Ultra 2004 is sourced exclusively from Grand Cru vineyards and aged for over 10 years on lees, building depth without losing definition. Citrus zest, white flowers and a clear saline touch lead, followed by brioche, light smoke and spice. The palate is focused and structured, with fine, persistent bubbles and a strong sense of precision rather than weight. The finish is long, mineral and very steady. Already at its peak, yet capable of holding this level for another 15–20 years. Drink now or cellar through 2045.
Bruno Paillard presents a focused range of cuvées built around a terroir-driven approach to Champagne. The wines are produced in an Extra Brut style, emphasizing mineral structure, tension and precision. Even the multi-vintage Première Cuvée shows strong ageing potential. Over the years, Bruno Paillard, working across 32 hectares, has established itself among the leading addresses in Champagne. The house relies on a system of reserve wines developed since 1985 using a solera approach, contributing to depth and continuity of style. Born in 1953 into a family of brokers deeply connected to the Champagne trade, Bruno Paillard founded his house in 1981 and quickly gained international recognition despite its modest scale. Operating as a négociant-propriétaire, the estate owns vineyards in 15 villages, including Oger, Le Mesnil, Verzenay and Bouzy. While not certified organic, vineyard work follows many organic principles, with biodynamic practices applied on selected parcels. Wines undergo extended ageing on lees, with limited use of oak (around 20% of production). Only the first-press juice is used, and most cuvées complete malolactic fermentation. The style is defined by clarity, fine mousse and low dosage, combining elegance with a precise, restrained structure. Nec Plus Ultra 2009 remains one of the reference wines of the house.
Reviews from critics
97/100
3 points
95-100
2
90-94
1
85-89
0
80-84
0
75-79
0
0-74
0
Vinous
The 2004 Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs is Bruno Paillard's Pinot Noir/Chardonnay blend vinified in oak. Rich and powerful in the glass, the 2014 is still tightly wound, despite having been disgorged more than two years ago. Vinification in oak gives the 2004 quite a bit of power and resonance to play off the freshness of the vintage. It will be interesting to see if the 2004 comes together a bit more fully with time in bottle. Today, the wine is heavily marked by wood, with strong torrefaction, coffee, hazelnut and spice accents, and less of the freshness that is the single greatest marker of 2004 in Champagne. Disgorged: September, 2017.
Wine Enthusiast
This wine from a great Champagne vintage is at its peak. Poised between maturity and fruitiness, it reveals richness and texture. This is a dry Champagne, full of ripe white fruit and toast that mingle easily. Drink this wine now, although it can age for many years.
Falstaff
Strong straw-yellow, delicate silver reflections; fine mousse. Ripe nuances of yellow tropical fruit, delicate roasted pineapple, also hints of fig and nuts, opens with more air, brioche nuances appear. Complex, with fine caramel and wood spices, juicy fruit expression, fine acidity, yellow fruit on the finish with a dash of sea salt on the aftertaste. Has great length and character.