Champagne France Heady aromas of yeast and juicy ripe grapes spring from a firm vigorous bead and lead into a distinctive earthy palate of toasted almonds and bread lifted green apples and strawberries with an underlying richness of intense mouthfilling fruit and an exemplary finish. Special cuveÚ indeed. Bursting with character this full-bodied complex Champagne is one of our favourites. (60% Pinot Noir 25% Chardonnay & 15 Pinot Meunier). The house of Bollinger has a strict policy of disgorging (that is removing the dead yeast cells deposited during bottle fermentation) all its Champagne 12 weeks prior to shipment. This ensures that every bottle reaches the customer in a fresh condition. With Vintage Champagne this means some variation in taste and texture according to disgorgement date. This policy however benefits the Bollinger NV as it ensures freshness and consistency. At least half of the Special Cuvee is cask fermented adding smoothness and a toasty mellow dimension. A small proportion of reserve material gives it a unique oxidative complexity. In the glass it has a fine and persistent bead and complex secondary aromas. The palate is rich but still retains excellent acidity evident in the lingering finish.