Bollinger PN AYC18, made exclusively from Pinot Noir, has been crafted by the House to express its unique vision of this specific grape variety. This new AYC18 blend, the House's fourth edition, explores the unique interpretation of Pinot Noir from the chalky south facing slopes of Aÿ in 2018. This is the principal cru in the blend, blended with Montagne de Reims villages, including Tauxières and Verzenay.
PN TX17 was a wine focused on precision and vivacity, whereas PN AYC18 displays a rich and expansive character.
The 2018 vintage was one of warmth and abundance, which complemented Aÿ especially well, with the base wines displaying all the unique hallmarks of Pinot Noir from this terroir: a linear character, length and breadth.
The reserve wines contribute to the wine's exceptional aromatic intensity, especially the Pinot Noirs aged in magnums, the oldest from 2009.
The nose is sophisticated with 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.
The palate is serious, understated and rich, beautifully expansive with a finish full of confit citrus which enhances the wine’s freshness.
The PN Story
The 'PN Project' was a contest set by Chef de Caves Gilles Descôtes in the Bollinger winemaking team to come up with the best expression of pinot noir from a single village. All four winemakers Gilles Descôtes, Denis Bunner, Patrick Laforest and Guillaume Gallois set off in 2015 to work their magic.
After many years and blind tastings, the winning expression was by Gilles Descôtes with the Grand Cru village of 'Verzenay' making its presence known. The contenders were from Ambonnay, Bouzy and Aÿ. Going forward each year will be judged and tasted blind, with the best expression being selected for the next release.
Reviews
"PN AYC18 is a showpiece for the expansive dimensions, intoxicating allure and purity of Aÿ pinot noir; a wonderfully characterful blanc de noirs that celebrates the sumptuous fruit generosity of 2018 and the purity and precision of this fabled cru. With the generous tones of a full straw hue and a blush tint, it ripples with grand fruit depth of red cherries and perfectly ripe plums. The magnificent depth of complexity that is Bollinger rumbles in deep reserves, reminiscent of fruit mince spice and dried nectarines. I love that it is so emphatically Aÿ, so intrinsically Bollinger, and yet all transposed with the transparency and delicious fruit generosity that is 2018. It holds fantastic, succulent allure on a very long finish; the ripeness of 2018 translating in supple, silky fruit generosity, yet in no way heavy or broad, beautifully energised by the fine chalk salinity and pure acid freshness that make Aÿ such a beloved place." - 97/100 Tyson Stelzer
"Rich fruited nose, toasty, red fruit, sultana. Bubble fine, if a touch broad. Firm acidity, chalky, minerality. Talcy long line. Waves of red fruit, citrus, brioche and red apple keep sliding back. Compelling." - 96/100 David Messum, (Winemaker/Industry Consulant), Drinkstrade
"Red fruit, baked red apple, almost salted mushrooms. Good length, baked red apple, mousse falls slightly. Dosage might be a touch high for the acidity. Finishes a touch sweet." - 96/100 Zoe Brunton (Head Sommelier Lill Sis Solotel), Drinkstrade
"The fourth edition of Bollinger's limited PN series is the most expressive yet, with a hugely satisfying, expansive character. Dried pear, stewed Bramley apple and nectarine melt into the depths of reserve wine complexity, with chestnut honey and perfectly pitched savoury interest. It's surprisingly silky, the texture surprisingly weightless, the shape rounded and cushioned rather than strict or driving. A highly rewarding Champagne, ready to drink but with interesting potential to evolve over the next five years. 100% Pinot Noir, predominantly from Aÿ, with support from the villages of Tauxières and Verzenay. Based on the 2018 vintage, with 50% reserve wines back to 2009." - 93/100 Tom Hewson, Decanter
