Bollinger Brut Champagne Spécial Cuvée NV 1.5L

96 points Tyson Stelzer (The Champagne Guide): "(2013 base; disgorged June 2017; 25% chardonnay, 60% pinot, 15% meunier; more than 300 crus; more than 85% grand cru and premier cru; 15% fermented in old oak barrels; aged 3–4 years on lees; 8g/L dosage). The complexity and richness of Special Cuvée is unparalleled among the entry non-vintage blends of every champagne house, short of ascending to the mesosphere of Krug. Its grand recipe explains why, built on incredible depth of 50–60% reserves... This is the finest Special Cuvée since the stunning 2008 base five years ago – and it just might top that monumental wine! Triumphant complexity is a given at Bollinger, but it’s dynamic freshness and vitality that really set apart the very best releases. Its exceptional refinement and pristine articulation of the gorgeous red cherry personality of pinot noir take it to another level, epitomising the character, freshness and chalk mineral definition of this beguiling grape more eloquently than ever before. It resonates with all of the exceptional depth of pinot noir treated to deep reserves, in a universe of complexity, spanning light years of black cherries, red apples, pears, figs and a panoply of spice. Layers of character emerge from the woodwork, reverberating with Bollinger’s signature notes of ginger, toasted brioche, mixed spice, roast nuts and honey. For all this, it upholds achingly pristine brightness of lemon zest and grapefruit, at every moment freshened and enlivened by the prominent chalk minerality of its fabled terroirs, culminating in a masterful crescendo of fine, frothing, salt and iodine-infused minerality. More refined and multifaceted than ever, Special Cuvée remains one of the finest entry NVs on the planet... I recommend it more often than any other. (2020-2021)"

95 points Decanter: "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. Drinking Window: 2022-2032. (Dec 2022)"

95 points Bettane & Desseauve: "55% reserve wines reinforce the identity of pinot noirs. Concentration of yellow fruit aromas, smoky accents. Fresh flowers, candied citrus fruit on a liqueur and hazelnut background. On the palate, finish of orange and white stone fruit, fat flavors of almond and hazelnut. A great brut. (2022)"

95 points James Halliday (Wine Companion): "Second only to Krug Grande Cuvee in its complexity, reserve wines contributing 50% to 60% of the total, sourced from 750,000 magnums and wines held in barrel, the blend 60% pinot noir, 25% chardonnay and 15% meunier. It's creamy, rich and honeyed, dried and fresh white peach come with riveting acidity."

94 points Falstaff Guide: "Medium golden yellow, silver reflections, very fine persistent mousseux. Fine yellow fruit, nuances of golden delicous apple and mango, hints of bakery and orange zest. Juicy, elegant, fine fruit sweetness, finesse-rich acid structure, mineral, lemony-salty in the aftertaste, a versatile food companion. (Sep 2022)"

93 points Wine Spectator: "[$90/750ml list] A graceful Champagne, with flavors of black cherry, Asian pear, toast point and salted almond dancing across the palate. Bright and buoyant, with a fine, lacy mousse and delicate notes of lime blossom, ground coffee and exotic spices playing on the finish. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. Drink now. Highly Recommended. (11/30/22)"

93 points Allen Meadows (Burghound) (Jan 2022).

93 points James Suckling (1/5/22).