Bollinger has an unsurpassed reputation for quality because they do the hard, artisanal work in the vineyards and cellar combined with a rigorous attention to detail that fosters sublime Champagnes. A key element of Bollinger’s excellence is their heavy reliance on estate Pinot Noir vineyards centered around Aÿ, a village famous for having the chalkiest terroir for Pinot Noir in all of Champagne. Other factors include: barrel fermentation of the base wines, extensive blending stocks, long less maturation and cellar bottle aging under cork rather than crown caps. Bollinger’s multi-vintage Special Cuvée makes a wonderful “calling card” for the firm as it delivers fragrant fruit aromatics along with a creamy, dense texture perfectly complemented with stony acidity.
WINE SPECTATOR 93 POINTS - "A vibrant, graceful Champagne that shows fine definition and integration, with a mouthwatering frame of acidity. The persistent, lacy mousse is enmeshed with an appealing range of ripe and juicy black cherry and boysenberry fruit, blood orange granita, candied ginger and chopped almond flavors. Long and well-spiced on the chalky finish. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. Drink now through 2035."
JAMES SUCKLING 93 POINTS - "A polished palate of fine bubbles with pears, light bread dough and caramel undertones. Medium-bodied with pretty toasted-oak and vanilla flavors. Refined finish. Touch of quince and grapefruit with dried apples."
WINE SPECTATOR 93 POINTS - "A vibrant, graceful Champagne that shows fine definition and integration, with a mouthwatering frame of acidity. The persistent, lacy mousse is enmeshed with an appealing range of ripe and juicy black cherry and boysenberry fruit, blood orange granita, candied ginger and chopped almond flavors. Long and well-spiced on the chalky finish. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. Drink now through 2035."
JAMES SUCKLING 93 POINTS - "A polished palate of fine bubbles with pears, light bread dough and caramel undertones. Medium-bodied with pretty toasted-oak and vanilla flavors. Refined finish. Touch of quince and grapefruit with dried apples."
