The N.P.U. "Nec Plus Ultra" Rosé 2009 cuvée is an absolute rarity, a pinnacle of the art of Champagne production, with only a few thousand bottles produced worldwide. Born from Bruno Paillard's desire to create the greatest wine possible, this "Nec Plus Ultra" cuvée (Nothing Beyond) is a masterful and patient interpretation of the 2009 vintage. Vinified entirely in wood and aged for over 12 years in the cellar, this exceptional rosé combines the solar power of the year with a vibrant mineral tension. It is a wine for meditation, presented in a luxurious box, offering a timeless sensory experience.
The production of N.P.U. Rosé 2009 Bruno Paillard
This prestigious blend is perfectly balanced: 50% Pinot Noir and 50% Chardonnay. The grapes are selected exclusively from six historic Grand Cruvineyards in Champagne: Oger, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, and Chouilly for the Chardonnays; Verzenay, Mailly, and Bouzy for the Pinot Noirs. The color and unique fruitiness of this rosé are obtained by a short maceration of part of the Pinot Noir grapes, a demanding technique that gives the wine its characteristic "antique rose" color.
Vinification
True to the philosophy of excellence, only the "first press" (the purest) is used. Fermentation takes place entirely in small, old oak barrels, where the wines spend their first 10 months. This aging in wood provides micro-oxygenation, which softens the wine and develops highly complex aromas (spices, toasted notes) without masking the fruit.
Aging
The N.P.U. Rosé 2009 is a tribute to patience. It has benefited from exceptional aging on lees for over 12 years in the House's cellars. After disgorging (carried out in April 2023), the bottles undergo an additional period of rest to perfect their harmony. The dosage is Extra-Brut (4.5 g/L), a deliberate choice to respect the natural generosity of the vintage without weighing it down.
The 2009 vintage
2009 is a sunny vintage, marked by a hot, dry summer ("August makes the must"). These climatic conditions allowed the grapes, particularly the Pinot Noirs, to reach exceptional phenolic maturity. The N.P.U. Rosé 2009 captures this richness: it is a full-bodied, fleshy and generous wine, whose structure is balanced by the freshness of the Chardonnays from the Côte des Blancs.
Tasting notes
Color
The color is a deep, coppery "antique rose" with orange highlights typical of long aging. The effervescence is extremely fine.
Nose
The nose is intense and captivating. It combines notes of ripe red fruits (wild strawberries, morello cherries) with complex aromas of marzipan, sweet spices (saffron, nutmeg) and precious woods, the signature of barrel aging.
Palate
On the palate, the attack is full-bodied and vinous. The texture is silky, almost tactile. The power of candied red fruits is supported by a salty structure and a mentholated freshness on the finish that gives the wine a long length.
Food pairing
- Spiced roasted blue lobster
- Pink pigeon with truffle sauce
- Braised sweetbreads
- Peking duck
- Lamb tagine with dried fruit
- Japanese cuisine (Wagyu beef)
- Extra-aged Mimolette
- 36-month Comté
- Matured Epoisses
Storage and serving recommendations
How should this champagne be stored?
Protected by its box, this bottle should be stored lying down, in total darkness and at a constant temperature (40-54°F). It is a living wine that will continue to improve with age.
Aging potential
The N.P.U. Rosé 2009 is a monument to aging. Its tasting window is immense:
- 2025–2030: The wine expresses its sunny fullness, candied red fruits, and spicy complexity.
- 2031–2040: It gains depth, developing notes of cocoa, roasted flavors, and undergrowth (maturity phase).
- From 2041 onwards: The cuvée reaches an exceptional tertiary dimension, while retaining its vital energy.
Serving suggestions
Serve this great wine with a meal at a temperature of 40 to 50°F. A large white wine glass is essential to allow it to breathe and reveal its full aromatic complexity.
Anecdote about this cuvée
Each bottle of N.P.U. is unique. Bruno Paillard clearly indicates the date of disgorging on the back label, allowing wine lovers to know precisely how old the wine is after this crucial stage. The acronym N.P.U. ("Nec Plus Ultra") reflects the ultimate ambition of this cuvée: to go beyond the usual limits of Champagne.
