Bollinger Brut Rosé Champagne NV

97 points Tyson Stelzer (The Champagne Guide): "(tasted in 2020 in Australia; disgorged November 2019; Bollinger Rosé NV has doubled in volume since its much-celebrated introduction in 2008, though it still represents just 250,000 bottles, merely one-tenth of Special Cuvée. The blend is now slightly different to Special Cuvée, to which is added pinot noir red wine from the grand cru villages of Verzenay (predominantly) and Aÿ, which has been made with one-third of whole bunches since 2015, with a long pre-ferment maceration, before maturing in barrel for 12 months. The house prides itself on its red wine, and such is its strength, concentration, depth of colour and robust tannin structure that a tiny 5–6% is all that is required. Like Special Cuvée, it is matured 3–4 years on lees. While the proportion of reserves in Special Cuvée have increased from 40% to 60% over the past decade, reserves for Rosé Brut have been held stable to maintain freshness.) The first surprise of this cuvée is its exuberant lift of captivatingly fragrant bouquet, like nothing I have ever seen from Bollinger Rosé NV before, an exquisite explosion of rose petal, musk, cherry liqueur and cherry kernel that defines the very essence of southern Montagne pinot noir. The second is that the palate delivers all of the same, set against a phenomenal backdrop of super fine, emphatically chalk-defined mineral texture. This contrast of fragrance and minerality delivers a freshness that transcends Bollinger, and yet delivers every bit of the deep-set spice and creamy texture that we expect. An absolute phenomenon, radiant in its magnificent medium salmon hue, and drop-dead gorgeous. (Edition VII; 2024)"

94 points Wine Spectator: "[$156 list] Pretty hints of orchard blossoms and ripe fruit show on the nose of this statuesque rosé Champagne. Integrates a frame of vivid acidity and a rich underpinning of chalky minerality with a fine, raw silk–like mousse that carries the layered flavors of wild cherry and strawberry, peach skin and Marcona almond. A touch of pleasingly bitter pink grapefruit pith cleans the finish. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. Drink now through 2029. (11/30/24)"

93+ points Audrey Frick (JebDunnuck.com): "First released in 2008, the NV Champagne Brut Rosé is the release based around the 2021 vintage. A medium salmon hue (only 5% red wine is added to the blend), the nose is beautiful and has a lovely touch of opulence in its notes of preserved Amarena cherries, ripe red fruit, toasted brioche, and fresh roses. The palate offers a luxurious feel, with power and elegance that suggest decadence, but it’s not sweet. It has a refined mousse, with a chalky and pithy, orange-tinged structure, wonderful length, and a good core that will easily age another 10 or more years. Drink: 2024-2035. (12/20/24)"

93 points James Suckling: "Deep red-berry nose, plus some nectarine, spice and candied-orange notes. Powerful and fresh, the hint of tannin from the red-wine component of the blend neatly balanced by the creaminess. Excellent textural complexity, then a long, delicately spicy and mineral finish. Disgorged in June 2021. Drink now. (12/5/21)"

93 points Falstaff Guide: "Bright, medium salmon pink with silver reflections and a vital mousse. Notes of wild berries, heart cherries and red Braeburn apple, underlaid with white nougat. Juicy and elegant on the palate with a core of fresh nectarines and a juicy core. There's some blossom honey on the finish, with good freshness and a mineral aftertaste. (10/4/24)"