Produced by Bollinger in Ay, this cuvee represents the house's flagship vintage Champagne, released only in years deemed suitable for long ageing. The 2015 vintage reflects Bollinger's characteristic style: structured, Pinot Noir driven, and shaped by traditional vinification techniques including oak fermentation. The blend is composed of approximately 60 percent Pinot Noir and 40 percent Chardonnay, sourced from a selection of Premier and Grand Cru vineyards, including Ay, Verzenay, and Mareuil-sur-Ay for Pinot Noir, and Chouilly and Avize for Chardonnay.
A defining feature of production is fermentation in small oak barrels rather than stainless steel. Bollinger maintains one of the largest barrel stocks in Champagne, allowing micro-oxygenation and gradual development of texture and complexity during vinification. This method contributes to the wine's richer and more structured profile compared to more reductive styles. Only the first pressing juice is used, ensuring purity and concentration. Malolactic fermentation is typically avoided or only partially completed, preserving natural acidity and giving the wine a firmer structure suitable for extended ageing.
The wine undergoes prolonged ageing on lees, often for more than seven years. This extended maturation develops autolytic characteristics such as brioche, toasted nuts, and creaminess, while maintaining freshness and balance. The result is a Champagne that combines power with precision. The 2015 vintage itself was warm and relatively dry, producing ripe fruit with good concentration. Bollinger's approach emphasises structure and ageing potential, resulting in a wine that is both approachable in youth and capable of long development in bottle. The overall style is rich and full-bodied, with a strong backbone of Pinot Noir supported by freshness from Chardonnay. It sits firmly within the more powerful and oak-influenced category of Champagne.
Tasting Notes
Nose:
Complex and expressive, with ripe apple, stone fruit, and toasted nuts. Hints of honey, brioche, and light spice develop with air.
Palate:
Full and structured, with flavours of baked apple, plum, and citrus. A creamy texture is balanced by firm acidity, with notes of toast and subtle oak influence.
Finish:
Long and persistent, with lingering citrus, nutty richness, and light spice. A mineral edge provides balance and precision at the close.
