Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of an hour. The 2015 pours a crystal clear, pale straw color with persistent mousse. On the nose, the wine is developing with bright green apple, star fruit, citrus tree blossom, lemon curd and minerals. On the palate, the wine is dry with high acid. Confirming the notes from the nose, the finish is long. This is a baby but there’s already a lot of material here. The texture is extraordinary. Expect a long life ahead. Drink now with maybe a short decant, through 2055. Third tranche. Disgorged September of 2025. — 20 hours ago
Omakase lalo — 2 months ago
Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of an hour. The 1996 Belle Epoque pours a deep straw color with a persistent mousse. On the nose, the wine is vinous with generous white peaches, raspberries, white tree flower, marzipan and minerals. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long. The 1996 balance of acid and ripeness is so special. This gained energy with air. Drink now through 2036. Disgorged May of 2004. — 21 hours ago
I have not had many DP Rose’s. On the nose, extremely expressive scents of red fruits & flowers. One of the most powerful champagnes I have tasted. I felt like my taste buds were being held hostage by various red fruit and acid. An unapologetic finish that handcuffed my mouth.. — a day ago
Champagne Bollinger Special Cuvée Brut NV – Champagne AOC, France 🇫🇷
Overview
One of Champagne’s enduring benchmarks, Special Cuvée combines approximately 60% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay, and 15% Meunier, with a significant portion of reserve wines contributing depth and consistency. Rich, layered, and unmistakably Bollinger, it delivers remarkable complexity at a price point that remains accessible compared to many prestige bottlings.
Aromas & Flavors
Golden apple, ripe pear, citrus zest, baked brioche, roasted nuts, and subtle spice unfold in layers. Notes of fresh bread dough and orchard fruit intertwine with hints of honey and toast.
Mouthfeel
Vibrant and energetic with a creamy mousse and impressive depth. A delicate kiss of yeast adds texture and contrast, while the wine’s concentration and freshness remain beautifully balanced through the finish.
Food Pairings
Lobster, seared scallops, roast chicken, truffle dishes, aged Comté, oysters, or simply enjoyed as a celebratory aperitif.
Verdict
A richly textured and multi-layered Champagne that continues to justify its reputation as one of the region’s benchmarks. Complex, expressive, and consistently rewarding, it offers a level of sophistication that punches well above its category.
Did You Know?
Unlike many large Champagne houses, Bollinger ferments a portion of its wines in old oak barrels and maintains an extensive reserve wine program, helping create the signature richness and depth that define Special Cuvée.
🍷 Personal Pick
Few non-vintage Champagnes deliver this combination of richness, complexity, and value. The layered fruit, subtle autolytic character, and vibrant texture make Special Cuvée one of my favorite benchmark Champagnes and a bottle I never hesitate to revisit. — 2 months ago
Steak and frites? Why not!
The simplest restaurant manual I came across but one of the more memorable meals I’ve had.
Have not had a Pol Roger in a long time. Brioche, bruised apple, lemon zest, hint of ginger spice and chalk. Dry. Vibrant fine mousses. Not a bad pairing.
— 16 hours ago
This is a pleasant stunner of citrus zest and tart apple. Whoa! Note to self: 12 is not sufficient supply. — a month ago
Primera cena troigss — 2 months ago
Jay Kline

It’s been five years since I last had the 2000 vintage of P2 and looking back on my notes, not a whole lot has changed though the autolytic notes seem to be more integrated into the entire package.
Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of an hour. The 2000 P2 pours a deep straw color with a persistent mousse. On the nose, ripe golden apple, raspberry, ripe soft rind cheese, a touch of mushrooms, lemon/lime citrus and minerals. On the palate, the wine is dry with high acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long. Loads of energy still. This remains a very special wine. Drink now through 2040+. — 14 hours ago