December 2024
CHAMPAGNE BOLLINGER
Special Cuvée N/V
The NV Champagne Special Cuvée (60% Pinot Noir and based on the 2021 harvest) pours a bright yellow/silver hue on opening and reveals a fresh and actually more mineral-driven profile on the nose than I was expecting, revealing layers of fresh raspberries, brioche, wet stone, and orange blossoms. The palate is medium to full-bodied and classically rounded, as you would come to expect from this house, but it retains good tension and a silky, chalky texture, with an ultra-fine mousse, salinity in its notes of grapefruit zest and almond, and a creamy texture through the finish. It’s very well-styled and is going to drink well over the next 10 years. They always try to have 8-10 vintages the blend, the oldest being 18 years (15 years when it goes into the bottle). 8 grams per liter dosage.
About Jeb Dunnuck
The JebDunnuck.com website is a subscription based, bi-monthly publication dedicated to providing cutting-edge, independent commentary and reviews on the top wines and wine regions of the world. While my core editorial focus is to cover Southern France, Bordeaux, California and Washington, I also plan to give readers periodic articles on other world-class and emerging global wine regions, as well as in-depth coverage on the wine portfolios of top US importers.