Bollinger : Brut Rosé

There's a sense of precision to this elegant rosé Champagne, with its chalky base note and crisp, lacy mousse supporting a finely woven range of crushed white cherry and white raspberry fruit, smoked almond, ground ginger, anise and saffron. Long and refreshing, with finely honed acidity defining the finish. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. Drink now through 2036.

Aromas of bruised apple, redcurrants, wild berries, rose petals and orange peel. The palate has good structure, vibrant acidity and a foamy mousse, with caramelized brown sugar, strawberry and umami notes. A zesty, mineral finish.

Very attractive aromas of strawberry pie with the crust nicely crispy. Copper and iron too. Medium-bodied with real pinot noir character as well as salted butter, hints of barrel and a juicy finish. 64% barrel-fermented pinot noir (5% still red wine), 28% chardonnay and the rest pinot meunier. Rosé just keeps getting better. Drink now.

The NV Brut Rosé comes across as delicate and even a touch frail. Sweet berries, crushed flowers and spices waft from the glass in this feminine Champagne. The NV Brut Rosé is best enjoyed as an aperitif wine over the next few years. This is Lot L109004. Disgorged December 13, 2010.

Bright, medium salmon pink with silver reflections and a vibrant mousse. Notes of wild berries, heart cherries and red Braeburn apple, underpinned by white nougat. Juicy and elegant on the palate with a core of fresh nectarines and a juicy core. There’s some blossom honey on the finish, with good freshness and a mineral aftertaste. (L2404403, PM).

Medium deep pink colour with a copper hue and fine mousse. Vinous, mature nose with floral hints, nougat, crushed nuts, red berries, sweet pear, discreet oak and toasted notes. The palate is full-bodied, finely balanced with a creamy core, fresh acidity and ripe red fruit with brioche, nutty notes and a long, dense finish.

5% red wine from the vineyards of Ay and Verzenay lends this groseille-pink hue. The very well-defined fruit recalls strawberry and raspberry confectionery, lifted by orange blossom, licorice and budding sap. On the palate, the flesh is fresh with a sharply tangy edge, precise and of beautiful elemental transparency. One rediscovers this wine in an excellent balance between the blend and the red wine component.

This is a beautifully rich wine, with good aging as well as great red fruits. Acidity is layered with a warm dosage, balancing with the fresher aspect of this wine. Drink now.

The NV Brut Rosé comes across as delicate and even a touch frail. Sweet berries, crushed flowers and spices waft from the glass in this feminine Champagne. The NV Brut Rosé is best enjoyed as an apéritif over the next few years. This is Lot L109004. Disgorged December 13, 2010. Anticipated maturity: 2011–2013. Bollinger is of course one of the great names in Champagne. The Special Cuvée is typically one of my favorite wines in its price range, but it is the 2004 Rosé La Grande Année that steals the show this year. Bollinger is unique among Champagne houses in that the reserve wines are all bottled in magnum and with natural cork, a huge, labor‑intensive effort. Importer: Terlato Wines International, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604-8900