Top Vintages
Top Vintages
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Matthew Jukes (20+)
08NF was made from 83% Grands Crus and 17% de Premiers Crus: 60% Pinot Noir from the Premiers and Grands Crus of the Montagne de Reims and the Grande Vallée de la Marne (Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, Aÿ, Ambonnay, Bouzy, Verzenay et Verzy); 40% Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs (Mesnil, Chouilly, Cramant, Vertus); 17% of the wines were vinified in oak barrels, and it was aged on its lees for 150 months; The dosage is 2.9 g/l, and it was disgorged in January 2022. This super-deep wine dwells low in the glass with weight and depth of delivery that is completely unhurried. Vinous, powerful and with a full spectrum of fruit and patisserie, it is remarkable just how little citrus and herb there is on the front end of this staggeringly impressive wine. It is more layered and exotic than any current release Champagne I can think of, and then when it seems as though the scene is set, everything changes instantly. The palate drops about three gears revealing arresting zestiness and tanginess that completely engulfs the senses. I learned that this cuvée’s release was delayed by nearly two years because the back end was so twitchy, nervy and excitable. As it turns out, the Billecart gurus made the right call here – this is an electrifying wine, and the finish shows that the potential here is incredible. I am lucky enough to have tasted the 1959 and the 1961 Billecart-Salmon vintage wines, among others, and the DNA and detail in this 2008 are near-identical. While the top half of this wine is showy, flamboyant and seductive, the lower half is firm, chiselled, rigid and breath-taking.Inc. TAX€179.16 -
Matthew Jukes (20+)
08NF was made from 83% Grands Crus and 17% de Premiers Crus: 60% Pinot Noir from the Premiers and Grands Crus of the Montagne de Reims and the Grande Vallée de la Marne (Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, Aÿ, Ambonnay, Bouzy, Verzenay et Verzy); 40% Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs (Mesnil, Chouilly, Cramant, Vertus); 17% of the wines were vinified in oak barrels, and it was aged on its lees for 150 months; The dosage is 2.9 g/l, and it was disgorged in January 2022. This super-deep wine dwells low in the glass with weight and depth of delivery that is completely unhurried. Vinous, powerful and with a full spectrum of fruit and patisserie, it is remarkable just how little citrus and herb there is on the front end of this staggeringly impressive wine. It is more layered and exotic than any current release Champagne I can think of, and then when it seems as though the scene is set, everything changes instantly. The palate drops about three gears revealing arresting zestiness and tanginess that completely engulfs the senses. I learned that this cuvée’s release was delayed by nearly two years because the back end was so twitchy, nervy and excitable. As it turns out, the Billecart gurus made the right call here – this is an electrifying wine, and the finish shows that the potential here is incredible. I am lucky enough to have tasted the 1959 and the 1961 Billecart-Salmon vintage wines, among others, and the DNA and detail in this 2008 are near-identical. While the top half of this wine is showy, flamboyant and seductive, the lower half is firm, chiselled, rigid and breath-taking.Inc. TAX€1,014.97 -
Matthew Jukes (20+)
08NF was made from 83% Grands Crus and 17% de Premiers Crus: 60% Pinot Noir from the Premiers and Grands Crus of the Montagne de Reims and the Grande Vallée de la Marne (Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, Aÿ, Ambonnay, Bouzy, Verzenay et Verzy); 40% Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs (Mesnil, Chouilly, Cramant, Vertus); 17% of the wines were vinified in oak barrels, and it was aged on its lees for 150 months; The dosage is 2.9 g/l, and it was disgorged in January 2022. This super-deep wine dwells low in the glass with weight and depth of delivery that is completely unhurried. Vinous, powerful and with a full spectrum of fruit and patisserie, it is remarkable just how little citrus and herb there is on the front end of this staggeringly impressive wine. It is more layered and exotic than any current release Champagne I can think of, and then when it seems as though the scene is set, everything changes instantly. The palate drops about three gears revealing arresting zestiness and tanginess that completely engulfs the senses. I learned that this cuvée’s release was delayed by nearly two years because the back end was so twitchy, nervy and excitable. As it turns out, the Billecart gurus made the right call here – this is an electrifying wine, and the finish shows that the potential here is incredible. I am lucky enough to have tasted the 1959 and the 1961 Billecart-Salmon vintage wines, among others, and the DNA and detail in this 2008 are near-identical. While the top half of this wine is showy, flamboyant and seductive, the lower half is firm, chiselled, rigid and breath-taking.Inc. TAX€917.77 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (96)
The three 1996 Blanc de Noirs Krug’s Clos d’Ambonnay, Bollinger’s Vielles Vignes Françaises and Billecart-Salmon’s Le Clos Saint-Hilaire were all extraordinary.Inc. TAX€715.33 -
Wine Enthusiast (98)
This great single-vineyard Champagne is from an atypical Champagne vintage. The heat waves that punctuated the 2003 summer produced wines that are often full. In this case, though, plenty of the magic of Pinot Noir in a privileged site remains, with a taut, structured wine, full of ripe fruits but with intense acidity. Drink this beautiful wine now and well into the future.Inc. TAX€1,595.89 -
Vinous (98)
The 2005 Brut Le Clos Saint-Hilaire is sublime. Silky and understated, the 2005 is a model of class. The mousse alone is utterly captivating. Dried pear, gentle hints of spice, dried flowers and mint are some of the many notes that grace the 2005. In this vintage, Le Clos Saint-Hilaire is quite soft and medium in body, a Champagne of refinement more than power. Orchard fruit, white flowers and bright saline undertones frame the long, very pure finish.Inc. TAX€1,541.89 -
James Suckling (99)
Baked raspberries, salted yellow plums, figs, walnuts, orange zest, mahogany and some toasted vanilla on the nose. Medium-to full-bodied with beautifully integrated, very fine bubbles. Dry, with exciting and unique white-pepper and sea-salt notes. Seamless. So harmonious. Salty and spicy clove notes evolving at the end. Amazing precision. Single parcel pinot noir, 100% vinified in oak barrels. No malo. 2g/l dosage. Disgorged November 2020. 6,750 bottles. Drink or hold.Inc. TAX€414.13 -
James Suckling (99)
Baked raspberries, salted yellow plums, figs, walnuts, orange zest, mahogany and some toasted vanilla on the nose. Medium-to full-bodied with beautifully integrated, very fine bubbles. Dry, with exciting and unique white-pepper and sea-salt notes. Seamless. So harmonious. Salty and spicy clove notes evolving at the end. Amazing precision. Single parcel pinot noir, 100% vinified in oak barrels. No malo. 2g/l dosage. Disgorged November 2020. 6,750 bottles. Drink or hold.Inc. TAX€1,241.89 -
Experience the full-bodied charm of the Boerl & Kroff B de Boerl & Kroff 2003. Crafted in the hallowed terroir of Champagne, this sparkling wine is the embodiment of patience and precision. Nestled in the French kissing vines of Marne Valley, the artisan producers of Boerl & Kroff employed an exclusive late harvesting technique. These selected grapes, meticulously hand-picked at full ripeness, ensure the richest possible taste and aroma in each bottle. The 2003 vintage is marked by its sunlit gold hue, nuanced by fine bubbles and a sublime creamy texture. On the palate, it unfurls layers of ripe apples and apricots with explosive citrus zest, all underscored by a mineral-driven finish. Its high-quality production, combined with only the best Champagne grape varieties, implements a rich, complex structure which makes the Boerl & Kroff B de Boerl & Kroff 2003 truly remarkable. Witness the taste of fine wine passion, patience, and precision with Boerl & Kroff.
Inc. TAX€1,559.77 -
(6x75cl) 2012
Wine Advocate (94+)
The 2012 Brut "B" was only disgorged in March 2019, but it's already very promising, bursting with notes of smoky citrus rind, confit citrus, peach, honeycomb and ginger. On the palate, it's full-bodied, muscular and concentrated, in keeping with both the house style and the vintage, and it's still quite tight knit, chalky and structured at the core, with lively acids and good length on the finish.Inc. TAX€3,400.92 -
The Boerl & Kroff Brut 1995 stands as a pillar in the world of fine Champagne. Hailing from the esteemed terroirs of Aÿ, Cramant, and Mesnil-sur-Oger in France, this exquisite vintage exemplifies the meticulous mastery of winemakers Stéphane Sésé and Dr. Michel Boerl. Only the finest hand-harvested grapes are utilised in crafting this authenticity; indeed, the time-honoured technique of à la volée disgorgement is employed, where the wine undergoes several years of maturation on lees. The result? A tantalising melange of ripe fruit tones and brioche nuances interwoven with delicate effervescence and superb depth. On the palate, the Boerl & Kroff Brut 1995 delivers captivating vivacity balanced with creamy, lasting richness. Be encapsulated by its mesmerising golden hue and seductive, slowly rising bubbles. Simply, the Boerl & Kroff Brut 1995 is an extraordinary encounter with exclusivity, a symphony of harmony and complexity that only the finest of vintages can achieve.
Inc. TAX€8,925.85 -
Experience the exceptional Boerl & Kroff Brut 1996, a sparkling triumph assured to tantalise the palate of genuine wine aficionados. Expertly cultivated in the prestigious vineyards of Aube, Champagne, France, this gem represents the meticulous craftsmanship of its producers- Michel Boerl and Danielle Kroff. The unique vinification process is marked by a singular pursuit of perfection with every grape individually overseen for quality. The Boerl & Kroff Brut 1996 exudes a powerfully inviting nose of brioche and honey, concluded by a brisk lemon zest finish. Illuminating the glass with a delicate straw tone, this wine is reputed for its well-balanced acidity that seamlessly harmonises with a full-bodied texture. The complexity of this cuvée is amplified by its impressive ageing potential. Imbibe the undeniably distinct Boerl & Kroff Brut 1996- a true embodiment of an esteemed lineage in fine wine.
Inc. TAX€1,393.63 -
Wine Advocate (97)
Interestingly, the highlight of this tasting was not the 1996 or 1995 but rather the 1998 Brut, perhaps because the wine is actually fully mature. Bursting with a complex bouquet that marries scents of mandarin, peach, vanilla pod and beeswax with nuances of English walnuts and fresh mushrooms, it's a full-bodied, rich and expansive Champagne that's concentrated and gourmand but impressively racy and precise despite its textural, muscular style, concluding with a long and sapid finish. I suspect the 1998 will be shorter lived than the 1996 and 1995—though of course it's certainly in no danger of decline any time soon—but it would be my pick for drinking today.Inc. TAX€1,363.92 -
Wine Advocate (95+)
Most of the 2002 Brut from Boërl & Kroff was bottled in 750-milliliter bottles, so only 800 magnums were produced—a surprising decision, given the vintage, and one Sabaté now laments. Offering up a rich but youthful bouquet of waxy lemon rind, mandarin, warm biscuits, candied peel and honeycomb, this is a full-bodied, vinous Champagne with considerable structure and concentration, with its creamy and muscular profile exemplifying the house style. Long and powerful, it's a terrific wine that will delight admirers of old fashioned Champagne.Inc. TAX€1,054.32 -
Experience the refined brilliance of the Boerl & Kroff Brut 2003, a masterpiece from the celebrated French house of Boerl & Kroff. This extraordinary champagne was delicately crafted from 100% hand-selected Pinot Noir grapes, harvested from three distinct vineyards in the prestigious Aube region of Champagne. Boerl & Kroff utilised rigorous vinification practices, including first press juice exclusivity and extended ageing in the bottle on lees for optimum complexity.
Boerl & Kroff Brut 2003 flaunts a golden hue, punctuated by an effervescence of the finest bubbles. On the nose, it exudes harmonious notes of ripe pear, toasted almonds, and creamy vanilla, seamless entwined. Palate presents a tantalising balance of rich fruitiness and secondary aromas of honeyed brioche and delicate spice. The finish is impressively lingering and sophisticated.
The Boerl & Kroff winemakers, Michel Boerl and Stéphane Sese, have continued their pursuit of perfection, ensuring each bottle of Boerl & Kroff Brut 2003 encapsulates a privileged moment.
Inc. TAX€2,431.68 -
Reserved for a truly discerning palate, the Boerl & Kroff Brut 2004 offers a sublime expression of finesse and complexity. This exceptional champagne hails from the Epernay region of Champagne, France. Crafted by renowned oenologists Michel Boerl and Stephane Kroff, its grapes are meticulously handpicked from the finest Grand Cru vineyards, post which a prolonged ageing period in oak casks imparts a characteristic depth of flavour. Exuding a rich golden hue, the Boerl & Kroff Brut 2004 captivates the senses with a delicate balance of citrus, brioche and almond. Its exceptional mousse compliments the complex bouquet, hinting at the carefully guarded traditional technique of double fermentation. A luxuriant finish precedes the elegant after notes of this opulent champagne. Savour every sip of the Boerl & Kroff Brut 2004, a beverage truly worthy of marking momentous occasions. Its striking accord of freshness and maturity sets it apart, crowning it as the champagne of epitomic grace and grandeur.
Inc. TAX€1,829.04 -
Emanating from the famed terroirs of Champagne, the Boerl & Kroff Brut 2005 captures the true excellence of French winemaking. Hand-crafted by Stéphane Sésé and Michel Boër, this remarkable champagne exemplifies their meticulous commitment to quality. Touchingly named after their children, Boerl & Kroff seeks to offer the utmost quality rather than quantity in its production.
Boerl & Kroff Brut 2005 boasts an impeccable balance between acidity and maturity. Displaying an elegant golden hue, this vintage champagne rewards the palate with rich notes of almond and honey. Reflecting the ideal growing conditions of 2005, it presents intricate layers of complexity.
This extraordinary champagne originates from three hand-picked grand cru vineyards, fermented individually in small oak barrels prior to blending. Each bottle undergoes a decade-long ageing process, enhancing its distinctive characteristics. Boerl & Kroff Brut 2005 stands testament to the timeless savoir-faire of French winemaking.
Inc. TAX€1,685.77 -
Wine Advocate (95)
The 2006 Brut wafts from the glass with aromas of ripe citrus fruit, warm bread, smoke and honeycomb that mingle with nuances of bitter orange, fresh field mushrooms and walnuts. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, satiny textured, rich and muscular, with impressive amplitude and concentration, a lively spine of acidity and chewy structuring extract, concluding with a long and nicely defined finish. Sabaté wonders aloud whether it was disgorged too soon, but there's no denying it's showing very well today, capturing the richness of the vintage without any of its potential heaviness.Inc. TAX€1,315.92 -
Decanter (97)
Toasted hazelnuts and pecans on the nose, charry, buttery almonds, green apple so much aromatic complexity. Caramel, bitter lemon, orange, brioche/patisserie elements, like a buttery hot cross bun, some truffle too. Racy, piercing acidity hits the palate straight away along with such tiny, frothy bubbles that fill the mouth. The spine and tension is there, driving the wine forward with a clear vein of citrus acidity - a shot of lemon and lime, while still having the undercurrent of toasted, salty nuts. Nuanced and characterful with a hint of sweetness, sharpness and raciness all giving nuance and interest and building to an impressive whole. Well controlled with balance, construction and a gourmet feel. Made with Premier and Grand Cru grapes: Pinot Noir grapes from Mailly, Cumières, and Chigny-les-Roses, and Chardonnay grapes from Avize, Chouilly, and Vertus. Grapes are aged 12 years on their lees. Dosage 3g/L. Recently disgorged January 2023.Inc. TAX€188.53 -
Decanter (97)
Toasted hazelnuts and pecans on the nose, charry, buttery almonds, green apple so much aromatic complexity. Caramel, bitter lemon, orange, brioche/patisserie elements, like a buttery hot cross bun, some truffle too. Racy, piercing acidity hits the palate straight away along with such tiny, frothy bubbles that fill the mouth. The spine and tension is there, driving the wine forward with a clear vein of citrus acidity - a shot of lemon and lime, while still having the undercurrent of toasted, salty nuts. Nuanced and characterful with a hint of sweetness, sharpness and raciness all giving nuance and interest and building to an impressive whole. Well controlled with balance, construction and a gourmet feel. Made with Premier and Grand Cru grapes: Pinot Noir grapes from Mailly, Cumières, and Chigny-les-Roses, and Chardonnay grapes from Avize, Chouilly, and Vertus. Grapes are aged 12 years on their lees. Dosage 3g/L. Recently disgorged January 2023.Inc. TAX€463.81 -
James Suckling (96)
Open and flamboyant with fabulous intensity and perfumes of flowers and light strawberries as well as sweet pastry. Medium body with bright acidity and fine phenolics. Super length. Pastry dough with some white pepper and sandalwood. March 2024 release. Drink or hold.Inc. TAX€271.81 -
Essi Avallen MW (93-95)
On this vintage with a prolonged growing season Bollinger played the cool card, choosing to go with a high proportion of Verzenay fruit (51%). The combination of cool vintage and cool terroir is truly attractive for a blanc de noirs. Already the nose has lovely zingy fruitiness to it, lemon custard, perfectly ripe peaches and elegant spicy and chalky tones. The ensemble comes across as elegant, super juicy and purely fruity. My favourite of Bollinger limited editions so far!Inc. TAX€692.17 -
Richard Juhlin (95)
It was time for the good James to enjoy one of the most magnificent champagnes for the release of the 25th Bond film. The decision to use Pinot Noir for this 2011 vintage, exclusively from the home village of Aÿ with its mighty fruit is nothing short of brilliant. Perhaps wait about ten years until the wine has reached its peak and completely integrated its enormous fruit with the barrel notes, but the wine is already magnificent with its deep ripe aroma of Gravenstein apples, backed by fresh wooden notes. House typical and powerful.Inc. TAX€1,318.82 -
Richard Juhlin (95)
It was time for the good James to enjoy one of the most magnificent champagnes for the release of the 25th Bond film. The decision to use Pinot Noir for this 2011 vintage, exclusively from the home village of Aÿ with its mighty fruit is nothing short of brilliant. Perhaps wait about ten years until the wine has reached its peak and completely integrated its enormous fruit with the barrel notes, but the wine is already magnificent with its deep ripe aroma of Gravenstein apples, backed by fresh wooden notes. House typical and powerful.Inc. TAX€720.61 -
Inc. TAX€626.18 -
Falstaff (98)
An immediate nuttiness of grilled hazelnut along with freshly cut red apple peel, an edge of white pepper and melted candlewax mark the nose – very unusual. With air, this slowly verges onto baked skin of plum. That nuttiness is also apparent on the palate with a real phenolic and textural element, there is much density, almost a chewiness. Very fine acidity runs through this wine, expressing the customary Bollinger creaminess, underlined by finest foam, revealing a lovely hint of pithy bitterness, more pepper and nuances of ripeness expressed by baking spice. A most gastronomic Champagne and only at the beginning of a long trajectory.Inc. TAX€1,193.16 -
Falstaff (98)
An immediate nuttiness of grilled hazelnut along with freshly cut red apple peel, an edge of white pepper and melted candlewax mark the nose – very unusual. With air, this slowly verges onto baked skin of plum. That nuttiness is also apparent on the palate with a real phenolic and textural element, there is much density, almost a chewiness. Very fine acidity runs through this wine, expressing the customary Bollinger creaminess, underlined by finest foam, revealing a lovely hint of pithy bitterness, more pepper and nuances of ripeness expressed by baking spice. A most gastronomic Champagne and only at the beginning of a long trajectory.Inc. TAX€5,543.89 -
James Suckling (99)
Complex aromas of pie crust, iron, chalk and hints of sweet strawberries. Some ginseng. Full-bodied with very fine bubbles that give it tension and focus. Extremely fine and polished tannins that go on and on. Dried lemons and oranges. Chalk at the end. Hints of bitterness in the finish with subtle botanicals. Made from a single vineyard monopole of pure pinot noir. Drink now.Inc. TAX€881.33 -
James Suckling (99)
Complex aromas of pie crust, iron, chalk and hints of sweet strawberries. Some ginseng. Full-bodied with very fine bubbles that give it tension and focus. Extremely fine and polished tannins that go on and on. Dried lemons and oranges. Chalk at the end. Hints of bitterness in the finish with subtle botanicals. Made from a single vineyard monopole of pure pinot noir. Drink now.Inc. TAX€2,418.37 -
The Champagne Club (97)
Already after a few seconds of encountering the wine's wonderful bouquet, I could state that 2014 Bollinger La Côte aux Enfants is in many ways the very essence of "old style Bollinger". The color is very deep golden and I was blown away by how rich and mature the wine felt right away. Significantly fuller and more voluminous than both 2012 and 2013. The scent is actually as big this time as VVF and even more mature. All of this surprised me as 2014 is generally the lightest of the three. Here it was the opposite. The only thing that somehow makes me recognize the vintage is the neat and elegant note of grilled lemons I find more and more marked as the wine sounds majestically in the mouth. Perhaps this wine personifies the soul and heart of Bollinger better than any other wine. If you have been in Bollinger's cellar and in the beautiful hall where all the oak barrels are lined up, you will probably never forget the unique aroma you find there. With Bollinger's deliberately oxidative vinification, all wines from there will be strongly influenced by their external environment. When everything goes right, as it has here, this fragrance makes for a fabulously stylish personal spice. In the first place, of course, it is the micro-oxidation through the fibers of the oak barrel that leaves an impression, but also the notes of old oak with their grilled, lightly burnt and faintly smoked notes that attract autumn forest and Finnish sauna give great pleasure. From the concentrated Pinot Noir grapes, you get an extract-rich juiciness and a chewy red fruit of Gravensteiner apple, beetroot, apricot jam, strawberries and honey. From Aÿ's terroir comes an unmistakable aroma of hazelnut, honeysuckle, leather and tobacco. Can this masterpiece be stored? Sure, but does it make it better? Hardly, probably a slump will come in a few years and a new beautiful phase will only enter in ten years when new parts of the personality take shape. Different and just as good, but hardly better.Inc. TAX€719.95
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Matthew Jukes (20+)
08NF was made from 83% Grands Crus and 17% de Premiers Crus: 60% Pinot Noir from the Premiers and Grands Crus of the Montagne de Reims and the Grande Vallée de la Marne (Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, Aÿ, Ambonnay, Bouzy, Verzenay et Verzy); 40% Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs (Mesnil, Chouilly, Cramant, Vertus); 17% of the wines were vinified in oak barrels, and it was aged on its lees for 150 months; The dosage is 2.9 g/l, and it was disgorged in January 2022. This super-deep wine dwells low in the glass with weight and depth of delivery that is completely unhurried. Vinous, powerful and with a full spectrum of fruit and patisserie, it is remarkable just how little citrus and herb there is on the front end of this staggeringly impressive wine. It is more layered and exotic than any current release Champagne I can think of, and then when it seems as though the scene is set, everything changes instantly. The palate drops about three gears revealing arresting zestiness and tanginess that completely engulfs the senses. I learned that this cuvée’s release was delayed by nearly two years because the back end was so twitchy, nervy and excitable. As it turns out, the Billecart gurus made the right call here – this is an electrifying wine, and the finish shows that the potential here is incredible. I am lucky enough to have tasted the 1959 and the 1961 Billecart-Salmon vintage wines, among others, and the DNA and detail in this 2008 are near-identical. While the top half of this wine is showy, flamboyant and seductive, the lower half is firm, chiselled, rigid and breath-taking.In Bond€146.00 -
Matthew Jukes (20+)
08NF was made from 83% Grands Crus and 17% de Premiers Crus: 60% Pinot Noir from the Premiers and Grands Crus of the Montagne de Reims and the Grande Vallée de la Marne (Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, Aÿ, Ambonnay, Bouzy, Verzenay et Verzy); 40% Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs (Mesnil, Chouilly, Cramant, Vertus); 17% of the wines were vinified in oak barrels, and it was aged on its lees for 150 months; The dosage is 2.9 g/l, and it was disgorged in January 2022. This super-deep wine dwells low in the glass with weight and depth of delivery that is completely unhurried. Vinous, powerful and with a full spectrum of fruit and patisserie, it is remarkable just how little citrus and herb there is on the front end of this staggeringly impressive wine. It is more layered and exotic than any current release Champagne I can think of, and then when it seems as though the scene is set, everything changes instantly. The palate drops about three gears revealing arresting zestiness and tanginess that completely engulfs the senses. I learned that this cuvée’s release was delayed by nearly two years because the back end was so twitchy, nervy and excitable. As it turns out, the Billecart gurus made the right call here – this is an electrifying wine, and the finish shows that the potential here is incredible. I am lucky enough to have tasted the 1959 and the 1961 Billecart-Salmon vintage wines, among others, and the DNA and detail in this 2008 are near-identical. While the top half of this wine is showy, flamboyant and seductive, the lower half is firm, chiselled, rigid and breath-taking.In Bond€826.00 -
Matthew Jukes (20+)
08NF was made from 83% Grands Crus and 17% de Premiers Crus: 60% Pinot Noir from the Premiers and Grands Crus of the Montagne de Reims and the Grande Vallée de la Marne (Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, Aÿ, Ambonnay, Bouzy, Verzenay et Verzy); 40% Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs (Mesnil, Chouilly, Cramant, Vertus); 17% of the wines were vinified in oak barrels, and it was aged on its lees for 150 months; The dosage is 2.9 g/l, and it was disgorged in January 2022. This super-deep wine dwells low in the glass with weight and depth of delivery that is completely unhurried. Vinous, powerful and with a full spectrum of fruit and patisserie, it is remarkable just how little citrus and herb there is on the front end of this staggeringly impressive wine. It is more layered and exotic than any current release Champagne I can think of, and then when it seems as though the scene is set, everything changes instantly. The palate drops about three gears revealing arresting zestiness and tanginess that completely engulfs the senses. I learned that this cuvée’s release was delayed by nearly two years because the back end was so twitchy, nervy and excitable. As it turns out, the Billecart gurus made the right call here – this is an electrifying wine, and the finish shows that the potential here is incredible. I am lucky enough to have tasted the 1959 and the 1961 Billecart-Salmon vintage wines, among others, and the DNA and detail in this 2008 are near-identical. While the top half of this wine is showy, flamboyant and seductive, the lower half is firm, chiselled, rigid and breath-taking.In Bond€745.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (96)
The three 1996 Blanc de Noirs Krug’s Clos d’Ambonnay, Bollinger’s Vielles Vignes Françaises and Billecart-Salmon’s Le Clos Saint-Hilaire were all extraordinary.In Bond€593.00 -
Wine Enthusiast (98)
This great single-vineyard Champagne is from an atypical Champagne vintage. The heat waves that punctuated the 2003 summer produced wines that are often full. In this case, though, plenty of the magic of Pinot Noir in a privileged site remains, with a taut, structured wine, full of ripe fruits but with intense acidity. Drink this beautiful wine now and well into the future.In Bond€1,320.00 -
Vinous (98)
The 2005 Brut Le Clos Saint-Hilaire is sublime. Silky and understated, the 2005 is a model of class. The mousse alone is utterly captivating. Dried pear, gentle hints of spice, dried flowers and mint are some of the many notes that grace the 2005. In this vintage, Le Clos Saint-Hilaire is quite soft and medium in body, a Champagne of refinement more than power. Orchard fruit, white flowers and bright saline undertones frame the long, very pure finish.In Bond€1,275.00 -
James Suckling (99)
Baked raspberries, salted yellow plums, figs, walnuts, orange zest, mahogany and some toasted vanilla on the nose. Medium-to full-bodied with beautifully integrated, very fine bubbles. Dry, with exciting and unique white-pepper and sea-salt notes. Seamless. So harmonious. Salty and spicy clove notes evolving at the end. Amazing precision. Single parcel pinot noir, 100% vinified in oak barrels. No malo. 2g/l dosage. Disgorged November 2020. 6,750 bottles. Drink or hold.In Bond€342.00 -
James Suckling (99)
Baked raspberries, salted yellow plums, figs, walnuts, orange zest, mahogany and some toasted vanilla on the nose. Medium-to full-bodied with beautifully integrated, very fine bubbles. Dry, with exciting and unique white-pepper and sea-salt notes. Seamless. So harmonious. Salty and spicy clove notes evolving at the end. Amazing precision. Single parcel pinot noir, 100% vinified in oak barrels. No malo. 2g/l dosage. Disgorged November 2020. 6,750 bottles. Drink or hold.In Bond€1,025.00 -
Experience the full-bodied charm of the Boerl & Kroff B de Boerl & Kroff 2003. Crafted in the hallowed terroir of Champagne, this sparkling wine is the embodiment of patience and precision. Nestled in the French kissing vines of Marne Valley, the artisan producers of Boerl & Kroff employed an exclusive late harvesting technique. These selected grapes, meticulously hand-picked at full ripeness, ensure the richest possible taste and aroma in each bottle. The 2003 vintage is marked by its sunlit gold hue, nuanced by fine bubbles and a sublime creamy texture. On the palate, it unfurls layers of ripe apples and apricots with explosive citrus zest, all underscored by a mineral-driven finish. Its high-quality production, combined with only the best Champagne grape varieties, implements a rich, complex structure which makes the Boerl & Kroff B de Boerl & Kroff 2003 truly remarkable. Witness the taste of fine wine passion, patience, and precision with Boerl & Kroff.
In Bond€1,280.00 -
(6x75cl) 2012
Wine Advocate (94+)
The 2012 Brut "B" was only disgorged in March 2019, but it's already very promising, bursting with notes of smoky citrus rind, confit citrus, peach, honeycomb and ginger. On the palate, it's full-bodied, muscular and concentrated, in keeping with both the house style and the vintage, and it's still quite tight knit, chalky and structured at the core, with lively acids and good length on the finish.In Bond€2,815.00 -
The Boerl & Kroff Brut 1995 stands as a pillar in the world of fine Champagne. Hailing from the esteemed terroirs of Aÿ, Cramant, and Mesnil-sur-Oger in France, this exquisite vintage exemplifies the meticulous mastery of winemakers Stéphane Sésé and Dr. Michel Boerl. Only the finest hand-harvested grapes are utilised in crafting this authenticity; indeed, the time-honoured technique of à la volée disgorgement is employed, where the wine undergoes several years of maturation on lees. The result? A tantalising melange of ripe fruit tones and brioche nuances interwoven with delicate effervescence and superb depth. On the palate, the Boerl & Kroff Brut 1995 delivers captivating vivacity balanced with creamy, lasting richness. Be encapsulated by its mesmerising golden hue and seductive, slowly rising bubbles. Simply, the Boerl & Kroff Brut 1995 is an extraordinary encounter with exclusivity, a symphony of harmony and complexity that only the finest of vintages can achieve.
In Bond€7,425.00 -
Experience the exceptional Boerl & Kroff Brut 1996, a sparkling triumph assured to tantalise the palate of genuine wine aficionados. Expertly cultivated in the prestigious vineyards of Aube, Champagne, France, this gem represents the meticulous craftsmanship of its producers- Michel Boerl and Danielle Kroff. The unique vinification process is marked by a singular pursuit of perfection with every grape individually overseen for quality. The Boerl & Kroff Brut 1996 exudes a powerfully inviting nose of brioche and honey, concluded by a brisk lemon zest finish. Illuminating the glass with a delicate straw tone, this wine is reputed for its well-balanced acidity that seamlessly harmonises with a full-bodied texture. The complexity of this cuvée is amplified by its impressive ageing potential. Imbibe the undeniably distinct Boerl & Kroff Brut 1996- a true embodiment of an esteemed lineage in fine wine.
In Bond€1,155.00 -
Wine Advocate (97)
Interestingly, the highlight of this tasting was not the 1996 or 1995 but rather the 1998 Brut, perhaps because the wine is actually fully mature. Bursting with a complex bouquet that marries scents of mandarin, peach, vanilla pod and beeswax with nuances of English walnuts and fresh mushrooms, it's a full-bodied, rich and expansive Champagne that's concentrated and gourmand but impressively racy and precise despite its textural, muscular style, concluding with a long and sapid finish. I suspect the 1998 will be shorter lived than the 1996 and 1995—though of course it's certainly in no danger of decline any time soon—but it would be my pick for drinking today.In Bond€1,130.00 -
Wine Advocate (95+)
Most of the 2002 Brut from Boërl & Kroff was bottled in 750-milliliter bottles, so only 800 magnums were produced—a surprising decision, given the vintage, and one Sabaté now laments. Offering up a rich but youthful bouquet of waxy lemon rind, mandarin, warm biscuits, candied peel and honeycomb, this is a full-bodied, vinous Champagne with considerable structure and concentration, with its creamy and muscular profile exemplifying the house style. Long and powerful, it's a terrific wine that will delight admirers of old fashioned Champagne.In Bond€872.00 -
Experience the refined brilliance of the Boerl & Kroff Brut 2003, a masterpiece from the celebrated French house of Boerl & Kroff. This extraordinary champagne was delicately crafted from 100% hand-selected Pinot Noir grapes, harvested from three distinct vineyards in the prestigious Aube region of Champagne. Boerl & Kroff utilised rigorous vinification practices, including first press juice exclusivity and extended ageing in the bottle on lees for optimum complexity.
Boerl & Kroff Brut 2003 flaunts a golden hue, punctuated by an effervescence of the finest bubbles. On the nose, it exudes harmonious notes of ripe pear, toasted almonds, and creamy vanilla, seamless entwined. Palate presents a tantalising balance of rich fruitiness and secondary aromas of honeyed brioche and delicate spice. The finish is impressively lingering and sophisticated.
The Boerl & Kroff winemakers, Michel Boerl and Stéphane Sese, have continued their pursuit of perfection, ensuring each bottle of Boerl & Kroff Brut 2003 encapsulates a privileged moment.
In Bond€2,005.00 -
Reserved for a truly discerning palate, the Boerl & Kroff Brut 2004 offers a sublime expression of finesse and complexity. This exceptional champagne hails from the Epernay region of Champagne, France. Crafted by renowned oenologists Michel Boerl and Stephane Kroff, its grapes are meticulously handpicked from the finest Grand Cru vineyards, post which a prolonged ageing period in oak casks imparts a characteristic depth of flavour. Exuding a rich golden hue, the Boerl & Kroff Brut 2004 captivates the senses with a delicate balance of citrus, brioche and almond. Its exceptional mousse compliments the complex bouquet, hinting at the carefully guarded traditional technique of double fermentation. A luxuriant finish precedes the elegant after notes of this opulent champagne. Savour every sip of the Boerl & Kroff Brut 2004, a beverage truly worthy of marking momentous occasions. Its striking accord of freshness and maturity sets it apart, crowning it as the champagne of epitomic grace and grandeur.
In Bond€1,505.00 -
Emanating from the famed terroirs of Champagne, the Boerl & Kroff Brut 2005 captures the true excellence of French winemaking. Hand-crafted by Stéphane Sésé and Michel Boër, this remarkable champagne exemplifies their meticulous commitment to quality. Touchingly named after their children, Boerl & Kroff seeks to offer the utmost quality rather than quantity in its production.
Boerl & Kroff Brut 2005 boasts an impeccable balance between acidity and maturity. Displaying an elegant golden hue, this vintage champagne rewards the palate with rich notes of almond and honey. Reflecting the ideal growing conditions of 2005, it presents intricate layers of complexity.
This extraordinary champagne originates from three hand-picked grand cru vineyards, fermented individually in small oak barrels prior to blending. Each bottle undergoes a decade-long ageing process, enhancing its distinctive characteristics. Boerl & Kroff Brut 2005 stands testament to the timeless savoir-faire of French winemaking.
In Bond€1,385.00 -
Wine Advocate (95)
The 2006 Brut wafts from the glass with aromas of ripe citrus fruit, warm bread, smoke and honeycomb that mingle with nuances of bitter orange, fresh field mushrooms and walnuts. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, satiny textured, rich and muscular, with impressive amplitude and concentration, a lively spine of acidity and chewy structuring extract, concluding with a long and nicely defined finish. Sabaté wonders aloud whether it was disgorged too soon, but there's no denying it's showing very well today, capturing the richness of the vintage without any of its potential heaviness.In Bond€1,090.00 -
Decanter (97)
Toasted hazelnuts and pecans on the nose, charry, buttery almonds, green apple so much aromatic complexity. Caramel, bitter lemon, orange, brioche/patisserie elements, like a buttery hot cross bun, some truffle too. Racy, piercing acidity hits the palate straight away along with such tiny, frothy bubbles that fill the mouth. The spine and tension is there, driving the wine forward with a clear vein of citrus acidity - a shot of lemon and lime, while still having the undercurrent of toasted, salty nuts. Nuanced and characterful with a hint of sweetness, sharpness and raciness all giving nuance and interest and building to an impressive whole. Well controlled with balance, construction and a gourmet feel. Made with Premier and Grand Cru grapes: Pinot Noir grapes from Mailly, Cumières, and Chigny-les-Roses, and Chardonnay grapes from Avize, Chouilly, and Vertus. Grapes are aged 12 years on their lees. Dosage 3g/L. Recently disgorged January 2023.In Bond€154.00 -
Decanter (97)
Toasted hazelnuts and pecans on the nose, charry, buttery almonds, green apple so much aromatic complexity. Caramel, bitter lemon, orange, brioche/patisserie elements, like a buttery hot cross bun, some truffle too. Racy, piercing acidity hits the palate straight away along with such tiny, frothy bubbles that fill the mouth. The spine and tension is there, driving the wine forward with a clear vein of citrus acidity - a shot of lemon and lime, while still having the undercurrent of toasted, salty nuts. Nuanced and characterful with a hint of sweetness, sharpness and raciness all giving nuance and interest and building to an impressive whole. Well controlled with balance, construction and a gourmet feel. Made with Premier and Grand Cru grapes: Pinot Noir grapes from Mailly, Cumières, and Chigny-les-Roses, and Chardonnay grapes from Avize, Chouilly, and Vertus. Grapes are aged 12 years on their lees. Dosage 3g/L. Recently disgorged January 2023.In Bond€377.00 -
James Suckling (96)
Open and flamboyant with fabulous intensity and perfumes of flowers and light strawberries as well as sweet pastry. Medium body with bright acidity and fine phenolics. Super length. Pastry dough with some white pepper and sandalwood. March 2024 release. Drink or hold.In Bond€217.00 -
Essi Avallen MW (93-95)
On this vintage with a prolonged growing season Bollinger played the cool card, choosing to go with a high proportion of Verzenay fruit (51%). The combination of cool vintage and cool terroir is truly attractive for a blanc de noirs. Already the nose has lovely zingy fruitiness to it, lemon custard, perfectly ripe peaches and elegant spicy and chalky tones. The ensemble comes across as elegant, super juicy and purely fruity. My favourite of Bollinger limited editions so far!In Bond€557.00 -
Richard Juhlin (95)
It was time for the good James to enjoy one of the most magnificent champagnes for the release of the 25th Bond film. The decision to use Pinot Noir for this 2011 vintage, exclusively from the home village of Aÿ with its mighty fruit is nothing short of brilliant. Perhaps wait about ten years until the wine has reached its peak and completely integrated its enormous fruit with the barrel notes, but the wine is already magnificent with its deep ripe aroma of Gravenstein apples, backed by fresh wooden notes. House typical and powerful.In Bond€1,080.00 -
Richard Juhlin (95)
It was time for the good James to enjoy one of the most magnificent champagnes for the release of the 25th Bond film. The decision to use Pinot Noir for this 2011 vintage, exclusively from the home village of Aÿ with its mighty fruit is nothing short of brilliant. Perhaps wait about ten years until the wine has reached its peak and completely integrated its enormous fruit with the barrel notes, but the wine is already magnificent with its deep ripe aroma of Gravenstein apples, backed by fresh wooden notes. House typical and powerful.In Bond€591.00 -
In Bond€518.00
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Falstaff (98)
An immediate nuttiness of grilled hazelnut along with freshly cut red apple peel, an edge of white pepper and melted candlewax mark the nose – very unusual. With air, this slowly verges onto baked skin of plum. That nuttiness is also apparent on the palate with a real phenolic and textural element, there is much density, almost a chewiness. Very fine acidity runs through this wine, expressing the customary Bollinger creaminess, underlined by finest foam, revealing a lovely hint of pithy bitterness, more pepper and nuances of ripeness expressed by baking spice. A most gastronomic Champagne and only at the beginning of a long trajectory.In Bond€991.00 -
Falstaff (98)
An immediate nuttiness of grilled hazelnut along with freshly cut red apple peel, an edge of white pepper and melted candlewax mark the nose – very unusual. With air, this slowly verges onto baked skin of plum. That nuttiness is also apparent on the palate with a real phenolic and textural element, there is much density, almost a chewiness. Very fine acidity runs through this wine, expressing the customary Bollinger creaminess, underlined by finest foam, revealing a lovely hint of pithy bitterness, more pepper and nuances of ripeness expressed by baking spice. A most gastronomic Champagne and only at the beginning of a long trajectory.In Bond€4,610.00 -
James Suckling (99)
Complex aromas of pie crust, iron, chalk and hints of sweet strawberries. Some ginseng. Full-bodied with very fine bubbles that give it tension and focus. Extremely fine and polished tannins that go on and on. Dried lemons and oranges. Chalk at the end. Hints of bitterness in the finish with subtle botanicals. Made from a single vineyard monopole of pure pinot noir. Drink now.In Bond€731.00 -
James Suckling (99)
Complex aromas of pie crust, iron, chalk and hints of sweet strawberries. Some ginseng. Full-bodied with very fine bubbles that give it tension and focus. Extremely fine and polished tannins that go on and on. Dried lemons and oranges. Chalk at the end. Hints of bitterness in the finish with subtle botanicals. Made from a single vineyard monopole of pure pinot noir. Drink now.In Bond€2,005.00 -
The Champagne Club (97)
Already after a few seconds of encountering the wine's wonderful bouquet, I could state that 2014 Bollinger La Côte aux Enfants is in many ways the very essence of "old style Bollinger". The color is very deep golden and I was blown away by how rich and mature the wine felt right away. Significantly fuller and more voluminous than both 2012 and 2013. The scent is actually as big this time as VVF and even more mature. All of this surprised me as 2014 is generally the lightest of the three. Here it was the opposite. The only thing that somehow makes me recognize the vintage is the neat and elegant note of grilled lemons I find more and more marked as the wine sounds majestically in the mouth. Perhaps this wine personifies the soul and heart of Bollinger better than any other wine. If you have been in Bollinger's cellar and in the beautiful hall where all the oak barrels are lined up, you will probably never forget the unique aroma you find there. With Bollinger's deliberately oxidative vinification, all wines from there will be strongly influenced by their external environment. When everything goes right, as it has here, this fragrance makes for a fabulously stylish personal spice. In the first place, of course, it is the micro-oxidation through the fibers of the oak barrel that leaves an impression, but also the notes of old oak with their grilled, lightly burnt and faintly smoked notes that attract autumn forest and Finnish sauna give great pleasure. From the concentrated Pinot Noir grapes, you get an extract-rich juiciness and a chewy red fruit of Gravensteiner apple, beetroot, apricot jam, strawberries and honey. From Aÿ's terroir comes an unmistakable aroma of hazelnut, honeysuckle, leather and tobacco. Can this masterpiece be stored? Sure, but does it make it better? Hardly, probably a slump will come in a few years and a new beautiful phase will only enter in ten years when new parts of the personality take shape. Different and just as good, but hardly better.In Bond€596.00
