Bollinger PNTX17

Bollinger PN TX17 is made exclusively from Pinot Noir (PN) with the majority of the grapes coming from the village of Tauxières (TX) based on the 2017 vintage. The significant proportion of Pinot coming from the chalky soils of Tauxières showcases the charm of this unique terroir: tension, precision and complexity. Further reserve wines, aged for over 15 years en magnum, are then added to bring a sense of aromatic harmony and further complexity to the blend. Bollinger are famed for their Pinot Noir so there is little surprise that its signature rich and open style shines through. The wonderful smoky, nutty and caramel tones imparted by Bollinger’s distinct foudre ageing are already present and the reserve wines add to its exceptional aromatic intensity.

““The wine is almost completely dominated by the extremely exciting and rare Tauxières Premier Cru, which is one of two villages classified 99% on the Grand Cru scale. Despite an impressive vineyard area of 237 hectares, it is extremely rare to come across champagnes dominated by this fantastic Cru. A cooler microclimate and a thinner soil layer with even more compact chalk than sunny Bouzy make the wines from here lighter and more elegant than Bouzy but stronger than Verzenay which is also part of this exciting Blanc de Noirs with predominantly base from 2017. Here is also a small splash of Avenay to give a little buttery roundness to the cuvée with its low dosage of 4 grams. The reserve wines that always come from magnum bottles under low pressure make up 48% from three vintages in 2016, 2009 and 2006. In total, half of the wine is made in oak barrels and the other half in steel tanks. The result is very beautiful and personal. The scent has features of lead pencil, juniper and freshly lacquered boat together with more classic coffee notes, rose petals, apricot and peach. The taste is vivid and multifaceted with a lively precision, lighter fruit aromas than you normally find in Bollinger’s wines. Even cassis is one of the more unexpected aromas in this finely tuned complex symphony. Very impressive and exciting champagne that really makes me want to taste more and that I will look out for to my private cellar.” 92-94 pts Richard Juhlin