Professional Ratings

• 96 Australian Wine Companion

  Spectacularly complex ‘Poor Man's Krug’, a Catherine Wheel of spice and apple aromas and flavours; superb structure and imposing length. Surely the greatest value champagne of all. More than 300 parcels from more than 85% grand crus and premier crus, 15% of the base wine fermented in old barrels; 60/25/15% pinot noir, chardonnay and pinot meunier.

• 95 Decanter

  If it’s good enough for James Bond, it’s good enough for you. Bollinger Champagne has made a number of cameos in James Bond films over the year. This non-vintage Special Cuvée is an example of a classic Champagne done well. Notes of marzipan on the nose and the palate give toastiness and leesy notes, specifically sourdough. It’s classic for a reason and would only elevate any table it finds itself on.

• 94 Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
  COMMENTARY: In my nearly five decades of working in the wine trade—I started young—Bollinger has been my number one Champagne of choice. This wine has been consistently excellent. The current Special Cuvée Brut seems a bit fresher and brighter than past efforts. TASTING NOTES: This wine is beautiful. Its aromas and flavors of ripe apples and light yeasty notes—enhanced with a touch of chalkiness—should make it an excellent choice with clams and linguine in a reduction sauce of white wine, slivered garlic, and freshly-cracked black pepper. (Tasted: September 24, 2018, San Francisco, CA)
• 93 Jeb Dunnuck
  The NV Champagne Special Cuvée (60% Pinot Noir and based on the 2021 harvest) pours a bright yellow/silver hue on opening and reveals a fresh and actually more mineral-driven profile on the nose than I was expecting, revealing layers of fresh raspberries, brioche, wet stone, and orange blossoms. The palate is medium to full-bodied and classically rounded, as you would come to expect from this house, but it retains good tension and a silky, chalky texture, with an ultra-fine mousse, salinity in its notes of grapefruit zest and almond, and a creamy texture through the finish. It’s very well-styled and is going to drink well over the next 10 years. They always try to have 8-10 vintages the blend, the oldest being 18 years (15 years when it goes into the bottle). 8 grams per liter dosage.
  Rating: 93+
• 93 James Suckling

  A polished palate of fine bubbles with pears, light bread dough and caramel undertones. Medium-bodied with pretty toasted-oak and vanilla flavors. Refined finish. Touch of quince and grapefruit with dried apples. Base wine 2021 plus nine different vintages. A blend of 61% pinot noir, 25% chardonnay and 14% pinot meunier.

• 93 Wine Spectator

  A vibrant, graceful Champagne that shows fine definition and integration, with a mouthwatering frame of acidity. The persistent, lacy mousse is enmeshed with an appealing range of ripe and juicy black cherry and boysenberry fruit, blood orange granita, candied ginger and chopped almond flavors. Long and well-spiced on the chalky finish. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier.

• 92 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

  Like its rosé counterpart, the latest release of Bollinger's NV Brut Special Cuvée is showing especially well, bursting from the glass with aromas of honeyed apples, crisp stone fruit, buttery pastry, ripe lemons and fresh walnuts. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and vinous, with a deep core of beautifully ripe fruit, racy acids and a pillowy mousse, it's a charming, characterful wine that proves that Special Cuvée is firmly back where it belongs.