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)"

93 points Wine Spectator: "[$140 list] Sleek and elegant, this finely knit rosé Champagne offers flavors of ripe cherry, blood orange granita and slivered almond, with aromatic accents of graphite, star anise and verbena. Long and creamy on the vibrant finish. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. Drink now through 2028. (12/15/23)"

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: "Medium salmon pink, silver reflections, fine, lively mousseux. Preserved cherries, berry confit, red apple, delicate nougat underneath. Juicy, elegant, fresh stone fruit nuances, hints of nectarines, some blossom honey on the finish, good freshness on the finish, mineral aftertaste. (10/6/23)"

92 points Wine & Spirits: "Mostly red grapes (76 percent), this gains its color from five percent red wine added to the blend. The red fruit comes across in scents of sour cherries and in the depths and richness of the flavor. It's also there in the subtle radish-like edge to the grape-skin tannins that make this a wine that could stand with roast veal. (2022)"

92 points Essi Avellan, MW: "(62% Pinot Noir, 24% Chardonnay, 14% Pinot Meunier). Bollinger is still a relative newcomer to the non-vintage rosé scene, having produced this cuvée only since 2008. But it was an instant match to the house style of rich and firm Pinot fruit. It takes a mere 5% of Pinot Noir wine from Verzenay and Aÿ to give this its desired colour (salmon, with delicate peachy hues) and character. The fine nose is characterised by pristine red fruitiness playfully intermingling with spicy complexity and mineral whiffs. Still primary in fruitiness, it comes with depth and complexity. The oak takes a supporting role, leaving the delicious Pinot fruit to the fore, and the well-built, muscular palate has a degree of vinosity. This is a non-vintage rosé that is worthy of ageing. Dosage 7-8g/l. (Aug 2022)"