Bollinger PN AYC18 Champagne

PN AYC18 is an assembly of 100% Pinot Noir, predominantly from the Aÿ cru. It is blended with other villages on the Montage de Reims, such as Tauxières and Verzenay. The base year is 2018 which is blended with older reserve wines dating back to 2009.
A fine satiny mousse slowly recedes to reveal a straw pale gold coloured base that has a steady bead flowing through it. Nosing draws out aromas of ripe pear, baked bread, yeast lees and hints of strawberries and quince. An energetic, modernist style of Champagne, the palate has a chalk tinged mouth feel with flavours of pear, wild strawberry and quince melding into an oily baked bread, yeast lees and roasted hazelnut back drop. Finishes dry with refreshing acidity and a creamy edged, hazelnut laced aftertaste.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 12.5%

Other Reviews….
The NV PN AYC 2018 is the newest edition in Bollinger’s range of single village-based Champagnes, a series of wines created by former Chef de Caves Gilles Descôtes, who passed away earlier this year. Tense and vibrant, with notable saline intensity, the AYC (based on Aÿ) sizzles with energy. Dried pear, crushed flowers, mint, sage, chalk and light pastry notes all race across the palate. This release is 53% 2018 and 47% reserve wines, a big part of which are Bollinger’s famous reserve magnums (in this case 2009 Verzenay Pinot), plus dollops of 2017 and 2016 wines. The 2018 was done in equal parts oak and tank. Dosage is 6 grams per liter, but the impression is of a slightly drier style. The combination of a very warm base vintage blended with a high proportion of reserve wines yields a Champagne of notable complexity and texture. Drink 2023-2038.
92 Points
Antonio Galloni – Vinous

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. Drink 2024-2034. Dosage 6 grams per liter.
93+ points
Audrey Frick - jebdunnuck.com