Bollinger B16, Champagne

A sophisticated champagne with extremely refined character and linear phenolics that give it length and class. It's medium-bodied with grapefruit and apples as well as pie crust. Bright acidity at the end.

96 points James Suckling

Bollinger has long stood apart in Champagne. Founded in Aÿ in 1829, the house has built its reputation on Pinot Noir driven wines of depth, structure and extraordinary ageing potential. Family owned for much of its history and fiercely protective of its traditions, Bollinger remains one of the few major Champagne houses with extensive estate vineyards and its own reserve wine programme aged in magnums. The B Series was created to showcase exceptional base vintages outside the constraints of traditional vintage Champagne declarations, with B16 highlighting the character of the outstanding 2016 growing season.

Crafted under the direction of Cellar Master Denis Bunner, B16 is dominated by Pinot Noir, supported by Chardonnay and a small proportion of Meunier. Fruit is sourced from premier sites across Champagne, while a significant portion of reserve wines and Bollinger's signature oak barrel fermentation contribute complexity and texture. Extended lees ageing enhances depth while preserving freshness and precision.

Bright gold in colour with a persistent, fine bead, the aromas are immediately expressive. Ripe orchard fruits, yellow peach and baked apple mingle with notes of lemon zest, toasted brioche and roasted hazelnut. As the wine evolves in the glass, hints of honey, spice, chalk and freshly baked pastry emerge. The palate is generous and layered, combining citrus and stone fruit flavours with a creamy texture and remarkable concentration. Bollinger's hallmark vinous character is evident throughout, balanced by vibrant acidity and a mineral backbone that drives the wine towards a long, savoury finish.

An exceptional partner for lobster with herb butter, roast chicken with truffle, scallops, crab cakes or aged Comté. The wine's structure and complexity also allow it to pair beautifully with richer dishes that many Champagnes struggle to match. Drinking superbly now, B16 will continue to gain additional layers of toast, honey and nuttiness over the next decade or more.