Champagne Bollinger
PN AYC18
Champagne
The fourth edition of Bollinger PN, AYC18 is a 100% Pinot Noir Blanc de Noirs that continues the series’ mission of unveiling a different expression of terroir and base year with each release, reinventing itself while affirming the Maison’s legendary savoir-faire. Anchored by fruit from the grand cru village of Aÿ on the 2018 base year, the blend is complemented by Pinot Noir from Tauxières and Verzenay on the Montagne de Reims, alongside reserve wines aged in magnum, the oldest dating back to 2009. Each edition of PN explores a different facet of Pinot Noir, and AYC18 is no exception, delivering a distinctly styled champagne that captures the depth, complexity, and singular character of the Aÿ terroir.
VINEYARD
The fruit is predominantly sourced from Aÿ (53% from 2018), a grand cru village yielding wines that are ripe and succulent. Pinot Noir fruit from Tauxières and Verzenay were added to PN AYC18 to add aromatic synergy and complexity.
WINEMAKING
A 100% Pinot Noir Blanc de Noirs built on a 2018 base, PN AYC18 blends 53% from 2018 with 47% reserve wines, the oldest dating back to 2009, including more than 20% aged in magnum under cork to deliver the outstanding aromatic intensity that is a hallmark of Bollinger's historic savoir-faire. Partially fermented in oak barrels in the classic Bollinger style, the wine is cellar aged for more than twice the appellation minimum before release, with a dosage of 6 g/L.
VINTAGE
A landmark year for Champagne, 2018 was defined by a wet winter that built deep water reserves in the soil, followed by a warm, sunny spring and a long, hot summer that drove one of the earliest harvests on record. In the grand cru vineyards of Aÿ, chalk-moderated soils tempered the heat, yielding exceptionally concentrated grapes with natural ripeness and powerful acidity. Pinot Noir was the undisputed star of the vintage, achieving remarkable phenolic maturity and depth while retaining the structural integrity essential to great Champagne.
TASTING NOTE
Honey, quince, candied citrus, and marzipan on the nose with sweet spices and a hint of menthol. Serious and expansive on the palate, finishing long with confit citrus and lifted freshness.
FOOD PAIRING
Tomme des Ardennes cheese, millefeuille, tonka bean-infused chutney. Roast quail, dried apricots and honey-lemon sauce. Chaource cheese
Color
White
Blend %
100% Pinot Noir
Appellation
Champagne
Alcohol
12.5%
Suggested Retail Price
$167.99
Reviews
Wine Advocate - December 15, 2023
Wine Spectator - September 8, 2023
Vinous - June 30, 2023
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Trade Materials
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