Maison Bollinger, B16, 2016

"A sophisticated champagne with extremely refined character and linear phenolics that give it length and class. It's medium-bodied with grapefruit and apples as well as pie crust. Bright acidity at the end. A blend of 72% pinot noir and 28% chardonnay. Dosage 4 g/L. Drink or hold."

"Lively and more floral than many a Bollinger champagne – almost transparent and filigree. The opposite of heavy with marked but not excessive acidity at this stage. Much is happening at the house of Bollinger under chef de cave Denis Bunner! B13 Brut preceded it."

"Another limited-edition vintage release by Bollinger, this 2016 wine is super supple and blooming already upon release. Atypically for Bollinger, Bouzy from the south side of the Montagne de Reims is the dominant village with a 25% share. Of the 30% of Chardonnay complementing the Pinot Noir, Trépail leads the blend, lending exotic spiciness and sweet fruitiness to the appealing whole. Fermentation in oak gives a spicy signature to the lush, fruity nose of orchard fruit, yellow plum and orange blossom. This wine is on the elegance in its caressing silkiness and salty tang. In a quest of letting the terroir speak, Bollinger is restricting the dosage to 4g/l."