Bollinger Brut Champagne PN AYC18 NV

97 points Tyson Stelzer (The Champagne Guide, Edition VII): “PN AYC18 is a showpiece for the expansive dimensions, intoxicating allure and purity of Aÿ pinot noir; a wonderfully characterful blanc de noirs that celebrates the sumptuous fruit generosity of 2018 and the purity and precision of this fabled cru. With the generous tones of a full straw hue and a blush tint, it ripples with grand fruit depth of red cherries and perfectly ripe plums. The magnificent depth of complexity that is Bollinger rumbles in deep reserves, reminiscent of fruit mince spice and dried nectarines. I love that it is so emphatically Aÿ, so intrinsically Bollinger, and yet all transposed with the transparency and delicious fruit generosity that is 2018. It holds fantastic, succulent allure on a very long finish; the ripeness of 2018 translating in supple, silky fruit generosity, yet in no way heavy or broad, beautifully energised by the fine chalk salinity and pure acid freshness that make Aÿ such a beloved place. (2024)”

95 points Falstaff Guide: "Medium golden yellow, silver reflections, lively, fine mousseux. Subtle spiciness, smoky-nutty underlying ringlet fruit, peach, delicate vanilla-wood touch. Complex, taut and almost powerful, fine fruit sweetness in the core, yellow plums sound, mineral and equipped with freshness and length, a masculine food companion, safe development potential. (Deg. 1/23) (6/10/23)"

94 points William Kelley (Wine Advocate): "Based on the 2018 vintage, complemented by reserve wines aged in magnum dating back to 2009, Bollinger's newly released NV Brut Blanc de Noirs PN AYC18 was disgorged this year with six grams per liter dosage. Foregrounding the village of Aÿ, a commune crucial to Bollinger's distinctive style, the wine wafts from the glass with aromas of golden orchard fruit, honeycomb, buttered toast, freshly baked bread and dried white flowers. Medium to full-bodied, pillowy and vinous, with an ample core of fruit that's girdled by lively acids and animated by an elegant pinpoint mousse, this suave, charming Champagne concludes with a chalky finish. This has turned out beautifully. Drink: 2023-2035. (12/14/23)"

94 points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "The Bollinger “Pinot AYC 18” Brut is the fourth iteration of this pinot noir-only bottling from the maison. As the name implies, the wine is from the base year of 2018 and is principally made up of pinot noir grown in their home village of Aÿ, though it includes some fruit from Tauxières and Verzenay and there are reserve wines in the blend that date back fully to 2009. The wine was disgorged in January of 2023 and finished with a dosage of six grams per liter. The wine is beautifully refined aromatically, wafting from the glass in a mix of peach, apple, chalky soil tones, pâtissière, dried flowers, just a whisper of oak and gentle early signs of the smokiness that will emerge with bottle age. On the palate the wine is crisp, full-bodied, elegant and complex, with beautiful depth at the core, a lovely spine of acidity, refined mousse and a very long, soil-driven and vibrant finish. This is simply outstanding bubbly. 2023-2050. (Nov/Dec 2023)"

94 points Tom Hewson (Decanter): "A wine of constant surprise and contrast, first with the heat and generosity of 2018 offering up voluminous roasted apricots and apples, a bittersweet orange citrus and peach kernel richness, a surprisingly silky and flowing mousse and finally an intriguing, smoky, reductive element coming from the magnum reserve wines. It’s a hugely engaging, detailed and rewarding wine, bold but refined. 100% Pinot Noir, predominantly from Aÿ, with support from the villages of Tauxières and Verzenay. Based on the 2018 vintage, with 50% reserve wines back to 2009. Drinking Window: 2024-2029. (3/22/24)"

93-94 points Essi Avellan, MW: "(100% Pinot Noir). Bollinger finally based its 4th edition of this pure Pinot Noir cuvée on its home terroir Aÿ’s fruit. As much as 47% of the blend is made up of Aÿ Pinot Noir, lending its broad and silky yet chalky print on the wine, which Verzenay, Tauxières and Avenay-Val-d’Or support. The amply fruity 2018 vintage represents a half of the blend, its ripeness giving a light peachy tone already to the colour. The rest is constructed of 2017 and 2016 reserve wines and as much as 25% of 2009 vintage reserve wine magnums. The supple nose comes with sweet vanilla tones, apple compote, orange blossom and pencil shavings. There is an immediate charm also to the fleshy and airy yet precise palate. Towards the back palate an energising freshness emerges, adding vivacity to the creamy and textured whole. A beautifully constructed cuvée playing on all the Bollinger fortes. Dosage 6g/l. (Jun 2023)"

93+ points Audrey Frick (JebDunnuck.com): "[$170 list] Including the 2018, 2017, 2016, and 2009 vintage, the pale straw-copper hued NV Champagne PN AYC18 opens with stunning notes of jasmine and tropical flowers, followed by pure and expressive aromas of wild cherry, fresh orange, wet stone, and fresh roses. Full-bodied, with freshness throughout and a hint of warmth on its beautiful finish, this is the most successful of the wines from this line that I have tasted to date, offering fantastic length and gorgeous depth of fruit. It’s going to only improve with another few years in bottle, but it’s gorgeous now. Drink 2024-2034. Dosage 6 grams per liter. Drink: 2024-2034. (11/17/23)"

93 points Wine Spectator: "[$170 list] Mouthwatering and finely meshed, with density to the satiny texture, this marries bright acidity with flavors of ripe white cherry, biscuit, pickled ginger and candied grapefruit peel. Opens slowly on the palate, revealing layers of fragrant spices, mineral and dried flowers on the finish. Disgorged January 2023. Best from 2025 through 2033. (11/15/23)"