Tasting Notes
Robert Parker 91+
Disgorged in May 2021, the latest release of Bollinger’s NV Brut Rosé is vert pretty, offering up aromas of pear, orange oil and plum, mingled with hints of fresh bread, dried white flowers and spices. Medium to full-bodied, seamless and elegantly vinous, it’s attractively balanced, with fine depth at the core, lively acids and a pretty pinpoint mousse. This is deceptively giving and charming out of the gates, but I suspect it will put on more weight with additional age on cork.
Anticipated maturity: 2021-2035
JancisRobinson.com 17
Mainly Pinot Noir, with the 5% still red from vineyards in vineyards in Verzenay and Aÿ. No obvious clue about principal vintage or disgorgement date. L2026703 on the foil. But I was told the blend of this particular cuvée is 62% Pinot Noir, 24% Chardonnay, 14% Pinot Meunier, with over 85% Grands and Premiers Crus. Disgorged in January 2020. Dosage 7-8 g/l. Pale orangey-grey colour reminiscent of a vin gris. Really dense, mature nose that hints at oak ageing. Great spread across the palate with real extract and density. Not sure this is really an aperitif but more of a champagne to drink with shellfish. Lobster salad, anyone? Long, pretty dry (but certainly not bone-dry) finish. Intellectually stimulating. Relatively GV?
Anticipated maturity: 2021-2025
Vinous 91
(60% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay and 15% Pinot Meunier; roughly 9 g/l dosage; L1403805): Bright orange-pink. Fresh red berries and tangerine on the spice- and smoke-accented nose and in the mouth. Sappy and expansive, offering juicy raspberry and bitter cherry flavors and a touch of toasty lees. Tightens up on the long, mineral-driven finish, which leaves a chalky mineral nuance behind.
