Bollinger PN AYC 18 Brut, Ay, France

Each edition unveils an expression of a principal cru and base year, carefully chosen by Champagne Bollinger, meaning the cuvee reinvents itself year after year. One of the defining features of the Bollinger PN cuvee is the way it captures different styles of Pinot Noir: the PN AYC18 offers a new vision of Maison Bollinger’s mastery of this grape variety. As the fourth edition of Bollinger PN, PN AYC 18 is a champagne with a distinct style that showcases the specificities of the Ay 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 Ay cru. It is blended with other villages on the Montage de Reims, such as Tauxieres and Verzenay. The base year is 2018. Older wines also feature from the 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. In Champagne, the 2018 vintage was characterized by abundant yields and an early harvest. Chalk moderated conditions in Grands Crus vineyards, resulting in particularly outstanding, very concentrated grapes with a natural average ripeness and powerful acidity. To the eye: Golden with bronze reflections. To the nose: 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. On the palate: Serious , understated and rich, beautifully expansive with a finish full of confit citrus which enhances the wine’s freshness.