Bollinger Champagne PN AYC18

Bollinger, one of Champagne’s most prestigious houses, is renowned for its rich, Pinot Noir-driven style. Founded in 1829 in Aÿ, this family-owned maison has built its reputation on meticulous vineyard management and long lees aging, ensuring complexity and depth in every bottle. The PN AYC18 is part of Bollinger’s PN series, showcasing the expressive character of Pinot Noir from specific terroirs, with this edition highlighting fruit from Aÿ.

Wine Description

Brilliant golden in hue, the PN AYC18 delivers an intricate aromatic profile, brimming with orchard fruits, citrus zest, toasted almonds, and subtle smoky undertones. The palate is vibrant yet structured, displaying layers of baked apple, brioche, and a fine minerality that reflects its Aÿ origins. The mousse is creamy and persistent, complementing the wine’s balanced acidity and elegant, lingering finish. A composition dominated by Pinot Noir, it reflects Bollinger’s commitment to bold yet refined expressions of Champagne.

Food Pairing

The PN AYC18 pairs exceptionally well with roasted poultry, mushroom-based dishes, or creamy cheeses such as Comté. It also complements shellfish and caviar, enhancing their briny depth with its bright acidity and rich texture. A perfect match to enhance the wine's complexity.

Vintage Quality

Sourced predominantly from the 2018 vintage, the PN AYC18 benefits from a warm growing season, yielding ripe fruit with concentrated flavors. The addition of reserve wines ensures a signature Bollinger depth and longevity, making this a compelling Champagne to enjoy now or cellar for future enjoyment.

94 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Based on the 2018 vintage, complemented by reserve wines aged in magnum dating back to 2009, Bollinger's newly released NV Brut Blanc de Noirs PN AYC18 was disgorged this year with six grams per liter dosage. Foregrounding the village of Aÿ, a commune crucial to Bollinger's distinctive style, the wine wafts from the glass with aromas of golden orchard fruit, honeycomb, buttered toast, freshly baked bread and dried white flowers. Medium to full-bodied, pillowy and vinous, with an ample core of fruit that's girdled by lively acids and animated by an elegant pinpoint mousse, this suave, charming Champagne concludes with a chalky finish. This has turned out beautifully.

93 Points - Decanter

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 Points - Wine Spectator

Mouthwatering and finely meshed, with density to the satiny texture, this marries bright acidity with flavors of ripe white cherry, biscuit, pickled ginger and candied grapefruit peel. Opens slowly on the palate, revealing layers of fragrant spices, mineral and dried flowers on the finish. Disgorged January 2023. Best from 2025 through 2033. 900 cases imported.

93+ Points - Jeb Dunnuck

Including the 2018, 2017, 2016, and 2009 vintage, the pale straw-copper hued NV Champagne PN AYC18 opens with stunning notes of jasmine and tropical flowers, followed by pure and expressive aromas of wild cherry, fresh orange, wet stone, and fresh roses. Full-bodied, with freshness throughout and a hint of warmth on its beautiful finish, this is the most successful of the wines from this line that I have tasted to date, offering fantastic length and gorgeous depth of fruit. It’s going to only improve with another few years in bottle, but it’s gorgeous now.