BOLLINGER CHAMPAGNE PN AYC18

Winery notes (2018 Vintage)
"As the fourth edition of Bollinger PN, PN AYC 18 is a champagne with a distinct style that showcases the specificities of the Aÿ terroir, the principal cru in the blend, made predominantly from the 2018 base year.

PN AYC18 is an assembly of 100% Pinot Noir, predominantly from the Aÿ cru. It is blended with other villages on the Montage de Reims, such as Tauxières and Verzenay. The base year is 2018. Older wines also feature from our reserve magnums, the oldest of which dates back to 2009. Its ageing period in the cellar is twice as long as required by appellation regulations and its dosage is moderate : 6 grams per litre.

Notes of honey, fruit jellies, quince and candied citrus. Aromas of marzipan and blood orange complement a nose full of sweet spices and a refreshing hint of menthol. Serious, understated and rich, beautifully expansive with a finish full of confit citrus which enhances the wine’s freshness."

97/100 Tyson Stelzer (2018 Vintage)
"PN AYC18 is a showpiece for the expansive dimensions, intoxicating allure and purity of Aÿ pinot noir; a wonderfully characterful blanc de noirs that celebrates the sumptuous fruit generosity of 2018 and the purity and precision of this fabled cru. With the generous tones of a full straw hue and a blush tint, it ripples with grand fruit depth of red cherries and perfectly ripe plums. The magnificent depth of complexity that is Bollinger rumbles in deep reserves, reminiscent of fruit mince spice and dried nectarines. I love that it is so emphatically Aÿ, so intrinsically Bollinger, and yet all transposed with the transparency and delicious fruit generosity that is 2018. It holds fantastic, succulent allure on a very long finish; the ripeness of 2018 translating in supple, silky fruit generosity, yet in no way heavy or broad, beautifully energised by the fine chalk salinity and pure acid freshness that make Aÿ such a beloved place".

93/100 Tom Hewson, Decanter, July 2023 (2018 Vintage)
"The fourth edition of Bollinger's limited PN series is the most expressive yet, with a hugely satisfying, expansive character. Dried pear, stewed Bramley apple and nectarine melt into the depths of reserve wine complexity, with chestnut honey and perfectly pitched savoury interest. It's surprisingly silky, the texture surprisingly weightless, the shape rounded and cushioned rather than strict or driving. A highly rewarding Champagne, ready to drink but with interesting potential to evolve over the next five years. 100% Pinot Noir, predominantly from Aÿ, with support from the villages of Tauxières and Verzenay. Based on the 2018 vintage, with 50% reserve wines back to 2009. Drink 2023 – 2030."

92/100 Antonio Galloni, Vinous (2018 Vintage)
"Tense and vibrant, with notable saline intensity, the AYC (based on Aÿ) sizzles with energy. Dried pear, crushed flowers, mint, sage, chalk and light pastry notes all race across the palate…Dosage is 6 grams per liter, but the impression is of a slightly drier style. The combination of a very warm base vintage blended with a high proportion of reserve wines yields a Champagne of notable complexity and texture."

*Note for courier freight – 12 bottle freight rate applies for up to each 6 bottles – we will contact you if applicable.