2013 Bollinger La Cote Enfants Brut, Champagne

Complex aromas of pie crust, iron, chalk and hints of sweet strawberries. Some ginseng. Full-bodied with very fine bubbles that give it tension and focus. Extremely fine and polished tannins that go on and on. Dried lemons and oranges. Chalk at the end. Hints of bitterness in the finish with subtle botanicals. Made from a single vineyard monopole of pure pinot noir. Drink now.

99 points James Suckling

Hidden behind the walls of Aÿ lies one of Champagne's most famous vineyards, La Côte aux Enfants. Revered for generations as a source of exceptional Pinot Noir, the site is so highly regarded that Bollinger historically used much of its fruit for still red wine rather than Champagne. In recent years, the house has begun releasing tiny quantities of La Côte aux Enfants as a single vineyard Champagne, offering a rare glimpse into one of the region's most extraordinary terroirs.

Founded in 1829, Bollinger has long been synonymous with Pinot Noir and traditional craftsmanship. The house's deep connection to Aÿ and its Grand Cru vineyards has shaped a distinctive style built on power, structure and longevity. Produced from a single historic vineyard and a single vintage, La Côte aux Enfants represents one of the purest expressions of Bollinger's philosophy, combining vineyard character with meticulous winemaking and extended ageing.

Bright gold in colour with a fine, persistent mousse, the bouquet is remarkably complex, revealing aromas of baked apple, preserved lemon and yellow peach layered with notes of brioche, toasted hazelnut and honeycomb. As the wine evolves in the glass, hints of chalk, spice and subtle smokiness emerge, adding further intrigue. The palate is powerful yet beautifully refined, delivering concentrated orchard fruit and citrus flavours wrapped around a creamy texture and vibrant acidity. A profound mineral backbone provides tension and drive, while the finish is exceptionally long, unfolding with layers of toast, citrus and chalky complexity.

This is a Champagne for the table as much as the cellar, pairing magnificently with lobster, roast turbot, poultry with morels, veal dishes or aged Comté. Already displaying remarkable complexity, it will continue to evolve gracefully for many years, rewarding collectors fortunate enough to secure a bottle.

Cellaring: Drink now to 2045.