Bollinger B13, Champagne

For an 8-year-old champagne this is extremely vibrant, the red-fruit character from the pinot noir grape rather in the background. Quite a strict style with discreet lees creaminess. However the ripeness and power means that it isn’t austere. Feels bone-dry at the powerful, chalky finish. 100% pinot noir, 100% barrel-fermented and 100% matured under cork. Disgorged in March 2021. Drink or hold.

95 points James Suckling

100% Pinot Noir from Grand Cru villages Verzenay (51%), Aÿ (25%) and the rest from Louvois, Mareuil and Avenay. The bouquet is compellingly fresh and minty, complicated by notes of white fruit - notably pear and apple – and gentle spices, as well as a light touch of citrus. With aeration, elegant pastry notes come to the fore. On the palate, this is a structured, tension-filled but airborne Champagne with high acidity - a sign of the cool 2018 vintage. Although already thoroughly enjoyable, it should age well over the next 10 years. Dosage 6g/L.

93 points Yohan Castaing, Decanter

Bollinger has always had a special affinity with Pinot Noir, and B13 is a wonderful example of the house's mastery of this noble grape. Founded in Aÿ in 1829, Bollinger is celebrated for its rich, beautifully structured Champagnes and commitment to traditional winemaking. B13 is a limited edition Blanc de Noirs created entirely from Pinot Noir harvested in the challenging 2013 vintage, a year that ultimately produced wines of remarkable freshness and character.

The fruit comes from five selected crus, 92% of which are Grand Cru. A cool growing season and unusually late October harvest gave the grapes vibrant acidity, while extended ageing on lees developed the complexity and texture for which Bollinger is renowned.

Bright golden straw with a fine, persistent bead. Ripe apple, yellow plum and lemon zest mingle with toasted brioche, hazelnut and delicate spice. The palate is concentrated yet wonderfully energetic, with creamy bubbles, lively citrus and a subtle mineral character. A long, beautifully structured finish carries lingering almond, citrus peel and savoury complexity.

A superb match for seared scallops with browned butter, lobster with lemon or wild mushroom risotto. Equally impressive alongside roast chicken with morels or aged Comté.

Cellaring: Drink now to 2038+. Excellent acidity and Pinot Noir structure promise further toasted and savoury complexity with age.