Bollinger Brut Champagne Spécial Cuvée NV

Non-Vintage Sparkling Wine from Vallée de la Marne, Champagne, France
TCG 96
JH 96
DE 95
F 94
WS 93
AM 93
12.0% ABV PRE-ARRIVAL
Item # 300962

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$59.95
List $95.00   Save $35.05

750ml
Pre-arrival (ETA: Mar 2024) 12+ Available
 
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)"

96 points James Halliday (Wine Companion): "Surely the most underpriced champagne on the market today, yet one of the most complex. The 60/25/15% pinot noir/chardonnay/pinot meunier blend is of scant importance compared with the 400 components with 60% reserves, the oldest 8+ years old. Majestically complex and layered in a jewelled crown of freshness. Special. (6/17/21)"

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. (12/27/23)"

94 points Falstaff Guide: "Medium golden yellow, silver reflections, very fine, lively mousseux. Fine yellow fruit, nuances of golden delicous apple and mango, a hint of orange and cookie. Full-bodied, balanced, integrated fruit sweetness, finesse-rich acid structure, mineral-salty, lemony-salty finish, a multi-faceted companion at the table. (10/6/23)"

93 points Wine Spectator: "[$95 list] Fine and seamless, with mouthwatering acidity well-meshed with a rich range of crème de cassis, poached apricot, gingerbread and almond extract flavors, plus accents of fleur de sel, Meyer lemon peel and star anise. Long and lively on the creamy finish. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. Drink now through 2028. (12/15/23)"

93 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "Restrained and very pretty aromas include those of yeast, Meyer lemon, petrol and green apple where the latter element is picked up by the utterly delicious, vibrant and detailed flavors that possess fine complexity on the agreeably dry but not austere finish. The supporting mousse is dense but fine and overall, this is a wine that could be enjoyed now or held for up to a decade. Excellent. Drink: 2024+. (Jan 2022)"

93 points James Suckling: "Lovely density and a fine-bubble texture. Dried apple and apricot with hints of dried flowers. Medium to full body. with medium-rich fruit. Spice, zest and ginger character. Usually 10% in barrel. 60% pinot noir, 25% chardonnay and 15% pinot meunier. About 40% reserve wine kept in magnums. Always really well done. Drink now. (8/7/23)" >

93 points Bettane & Desseauve Guide: Drink: 2022-2030. (2024).
** This item is offered on Pre-arrival and is subject to the terms of our Pre-Arrival Policy **
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)"

96 points James Halliday (Wine Companion): "Surely the most underpriced champagne on the market today, yet one of the most complex. The 60/25/15% pinot noir/chardonnay/pinot meunier blend is of scant importance compared with the 400 components with 60% reserves, the oldest 8+ years old. Majestically complex and layered in a jewelled crown of freshness. Special. (6/17/21)"

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. (12/27/23)"

94 points Falstaff Guide: "Medium golden yellow, silver reflections, very fine, lively mousseux. Fine yellow fruit, nuances of golden delicous apple and mango, a hint of orange and cookie. Full-bodied, balanced, integrated fruit sweetness, finesse-rich acid structure, mineral-salty, lemony-salty finish, a multi-faceted companion at the table. (10/6/23)"

93 points Wine Spectator: "[$95 list] Fine and seamless, with mouthwatering acidity well-meshed with a rich range of crème de cassis, poached apricot, gingerbread and almond extract flavors, plus accents of fleur de sel, Meyer lemon peel and star anise. Long and lively on the creamy finish. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. Drink now through 2028. (12/15/23)"

93 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "Restrained and very pretty aromas include those of yeast, Meyer lemon, petrol and green apple where the latter element is picked up by the utterly delicious, vibrant and detailed flavors that possess fine complexity on the agreeably dry but not austere finish. The supporting mousse is dense but fine and overall, this is a wine that could be enjoyed now or held for up to a decade. Excellent. Drink: 2024+. (Jan 2022)"

93 points James Suckling: "Lovely density and a fine-bubble texture. Dried apple and apricot with hints of dried flowers. Medium to full body. with medium-rich fruit. Spice, zest and ginger character. Usually 10% in barrel. 60% pinot noir, 25% chardonnay and 15% pinot meunier. About 40% reserve wine kept in magnums. Always really well done. Drink now. (8/7/23)" >

93 points Bettane & Desseauve Guide: Drink: 2022-2030. (2024).
Product SKU 300962
Producer Bollinger
Country France
Region Champagne
SubRegion Vallée de la Marne
Varietal Champagne / Sparkling Blend
Designation Brut
Vintage NV
Size 750ml
Color White
Blend 60% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay, 15% Pinot Meunier
ABV 12.0%
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