Bollinger B13

Richard Juhlin95 / 100 Pre-release! A Blanc de Noirs from 5 villages where half consists of equal shares of Aÿ and Verzenay. As you know, Verzenay and Aÿ are the dominant villages in Bollinger's vintage champagnes. Verzenay is often the chalky and mineral-packed backbone of Bollinger's vintage construction and Aÿ yields the embraced generous rich Pinot Noir that gives Bollinger's wines such muscle strength. Here, the balance of the two is accompanied by red fruits and spices from the three other villages that are playing the second violin in this symphony. Because it is precisely the symphonic harmony that impresses most when the wine in large parts is youthfully fruity and anything but finished. Notes of strawberries, pineapple, banana and pear will over time be blown off for more nutty and powdery smoke dominated notes with great depth and wonderful seriousness. Personally, I will wait as long as I can before I open my own bottles to get the increasing depth of grilled hazelnut aroma that only storage can provide. Richard Juhlin, Champagne Club 95 points James Suckling Outer quote mark For an 8-year-old Champagne this is extremely vibrant, the red-fruit character from the Pinot Noir grape rather in the background. Quite a strict style with discreet lees creaminess. However the ripeness and power means that it isn't austere. Feels bone-dry at the powerful, chalky finish. 100% Pinot Noir, 100% barrel-fermented and 100% matured under cork. Inner quote mark (11/2021)