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.

95 points jamessuckling.com

A graceful Champagne, with a subtle, pleasing tension to the invigorating aromas and flavors of crème de cassis, baked pineapple, verbena, toast and crystallized honey as they ride the silky mousse. Ends with a mouthwatering, mineral- and spice-laced finish. Drink now through 2031. 350 cases imported.

93 points winespectator.com

95 points falstaff.com

This vintage is rich and complex on the nose. It opens with notes of ripe fruits, fruit jellies and almond paste, rounded off with aromas of mirabelle plum and vine peach.On tasting, generosity and elegant fruit with flavours of pear, fresh almonds and tarte tatin are marked by the chiselled, mineral expression of pinot noir bringing citrus and candied lemon notes. Velvety persistence with a saline hint on the finish.

B13 is a Blanc de Noirs champagne assembled using 100% pinot noir, and is a very pure and chiselled expression of this variety. The cuvée comprises just five crus, 92% of them Grands Crus and 8% Premiers Crus.

This champagne has spent over 7 years on the lees and has a low dosage of 6 grams per litre.

Thanks to its sustainable practices in the vineyard, Champagne Bollinger constantly enjoys indisputably high-quality grapes, however difficult certain years may be. The B13 edition is a fresh example of this.

In 2012, the Bollinger vineyard was the first one owned by Champagne House to receive the Haute Valeur Environnementale (High Environmental Value) certification. In 2014, the Bollinger vineyard was then also the first to obtain the Viticulture Durable en Champagne (Sustainable Viticulture in Champagne) certification. Today, Champagne Bollinger once again demonstrates its environmental beliefs with a 100% recyclable box made of mostly recycled materials.