Bollinger have released their first new cuvée Champagne in 10 years: PN VZ15.
Charles-Armand de Belenet, head of Maison Bollinger, recently stated that this was a "special and rare moment for [Bollinger]" whose aim was to create a Blanc de Noirs made with just Pinot Noir, which has long been the emblematic grape variety for this house.
The first in an annual series of releases showcasing a different cru (village) with each cuvée showcasing its terroir in new and exciting ways. This initial release focuses on Verzenay Grand Cru from the 2015 vintage, where the chalk soils offer wonderful depth, elegance and tension balanced by impeccable freshness and a taught, saline finish.
Although conceived as the "little brother" to their iconic Vieilles Vignes Françaises, there is no doubt this is a unique vision of Pinot Noir from Verzenay, that will rightfully take its place amongst Bollinger's top cuvées. We have a limited allocation so when it's gone, it's gone...
Bollinger PN VZ15
"Very Bollinger (even more than Pinot Noir) on the nose, but livelier than the regular NV. Very fine texture and bead indeed on the palate. A little (not excessive) oaky note on the end. A very fine, elegant, well-integrated interpretation of Pinot Noir. Long peacock's-tail finish. Very accomplished. Though it's arguably too complex to be a suitable aperitif. A champagne for geeks?" Drink 2020-2024.
17.5/20 points. Jancis Robinson MW.
"Bright and vibrant on the palate, the PN VZ15 captures all of the Pinot richness that is such a Bollinger signature but with the freshness and verve that make Pinots from Verzenay so distinctive. Rich red fruit, mint, dried flower and spice notes play off bright acids and veins of saline-drenched minerals in a display of aromas, flavors and textures that dazzle all the senses. Think of it as a baby VVF, but with the tension of Verzenay. The blend is approximately 50% Verzenay and 50% Aÿ, Bouzy and Louvois, done about half in steel and half in oak. This release is based on the 2015 vintage (50% of the blend), with reserve wines that go back to 2009, including 20% from the reserve magnums Bollinger is so famous for. This bottle was disgorged in November 2019 and dosage is 7 grams per liter, about average for Bollinger today.
As I have written before, many of Champagne’s big houses have embraced the ambitious spirit of grower Champagne with their recent bottlings, wines that often place more emphasis on variety and place than the flagship blended cuvées that are the core of what Champagne has represented in the past. This is yet another example. The new PN VZ 15 is superb, and sharply priced as well, something that is not often the case with new grande marque Champagnes these days. Don’t miss it."
94/100 points. Antonio Galloni (Vinous)
"Marvellously powerful aromatics with delectable scents of toast, smoked hazelnuts and pastry, as well as top notes of mint. From the start, the palate is impressively vinous and concentrated but tightens in a way that tapers to a long, fine chalky finish. The hazelnut reappears along with white fruit and a touch of white flowers. This is an irresistible Champagne that expresses a combination of serious structure and real fruited charm. This is a welcome and successful new entry to Bollinger’s prestigious line-up." Drink 2020-2030.
94/100 points. Yohan Castaing (Decanter)
SHOP NEXT VINTAGE - PN VZ16
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Do give us a call in the office on 01325 776446 if you would like to discuss the wine further. Free delivery to UK mainland for orders over £200 retail. Standard delivery charged at £15 if order totals less.
