BOLLINGER Brut 'Special Cuvee' NV MAGNUM

Description

The Bollinger Non-Vintage Special Cuvée is a refined and complex Champagne, showcasing an elegant pale gold hue and delicate, persistent bubbles. Its aromatic profile intertwines green apple, pear, and citrus with hints of brioche, almond, and subtle mineral undertones. On the palate, it is full-bodied, harmonious, and well-balanced, combining fresh acidity with layers of richness and finishing long and lingering. Crafted from 60% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay, and 15% Pinot Meunier, it embodies Bollinger’s renowned craftsmanship and timeless elegance. With 12% ABV, it pairs beautifully with seafood, sushi, shellfish, and hard cheeses. Critics praise its excellence: Decanter scores it 95 points, noting its classic toastiness and leesy notes, while Wine Spectator gives it 93 points for its polished and refined profile.

*****

DECANTER 95 points
Tasted by: Brianne Cohen (at Los Angeles, CA, 27 Dec 2022) Part of Kroger: the best wines available at the US grocery chain
Drinking Window: 2022 - 2032
If it’s good enough for James Bond, it’s good enough for you. Bollinger Champagne has made a number of cameos in James Bond films over the year. This non-vintage Special Cuvée is an example of a classic Champagne done well. Notes of marzipan on the nose and the palate give toastiness and leesy notes, specifically sourdough. It’s classic for a reason and would only elevate any table it finds itself on.

JANCIS ROBINSON 16.5 points
Bready and appley – upholds every tradition of champagne, including a good level of dosage that gives honeyed ripeness to the finish. Long, sweetly spiced finish, with yeastiness making it like a cinnamon bun. Delicious! (RH)

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. Base wine 2021 plus nine different vintages. A blend of 61% pinot noir, 25% chardonnay and 14% pinot meunier. Drink now.

THE WINE ADVOCATE 92 points
Reviewed by: William Kelley
Drink Date: 2021 - 2035
Like its rosé counterpart, the latest release of Bollinger's NV Brut Special Cuvée is showing especially well, bursting from the glass with aromas of honeyed apples, crisp stone fruit, buttery pastry, ripe lemons and fresh walnuts. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and vinous, with a deep core of beautifully ripe fruit, racy acids and a pillowy mousse, it's a charming, characterful wine that proves that Special Cuvée is firmly back where it belongs.
Published: Aug 31, 2022

VINOUS 90 points
Pale yellow. Toasty aromas of apple and pear nectar are complemented by hints of toffee, honey and orange zest. Full and expansive on the palate, offering ripe orchard and pit fruit flavors and an undercurrent of smoky minerals and buttered toast. Smooth and gently spicy on the clinging, nicely focusd finish. (Tasted in 2015)