Bollinger Brut Champagne PN AYC18 NV

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)"

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 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)"

93 points Tom Hewson (Decanter): "The fourth edition of Bollinger's limited PN series is the most expressive yet, with a hugely satisfying, expansive character. Dried pear, stewed Bramley apple and nectarine melt into the depths of reserve wine complexity, with chestnut honey and perfectly pitched savoury interest. It's surprisingly silky, the texture surprisingly weightless, the shape rounded and cushioned rather than strict or driving. A highly rewarding Champagne, ready to drink but with interesting potential to evolve over the next five years. 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: 2023-2030. (Jul 2023)"