Bollinger Special Cuvée is a rich, vinous and powerful style of Champagne, driven by Pinot Noir and extensive use of reserve wines. The classic blend is approximately 60% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay and 15% Meunier, with some wines fermented in older oak barrels.
Professional Ratings
| Critic |
Rating |
| Australian Wine Companion |
⭐ 96 points |
| Decanter |
95–96 points |
| James Suckling |
93 points |
| Jeb Dunnuck |
93+ points |
| Wine Spectator |
93 points |
| Wine Advocate |
92 points |
Because Special Cuvée is non-vintage and released in successive batches, scores can vary by disgorgement/base vintage. Recent reviews include 93 Wine Spectator and 93 James Suckling in 2025, while Decanter has awarded releases as high as 96 points.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Ripe apple, pear, peach and red berries with brioche, toasted almond, marzipan, citrus and baking spice.
Palate: Full and creamy with a fine, persistent mousse. Apple and citrus mingle with brioche, toasted nuts and subtle oak, balanced by lively acidity and chalky minerality. Recent reviews also highlight raspberry, orange blossom, grapefruit zest and almond.
Finish: Long, dry and complex, with lingering citrus, toast, nuts, spice and a distinctive saline/chalky quality.
Sommelier’s Take
Bollinger Special Cuvée is one of the richer and more gastronomic major-house NV Champagnes. Pinot Noir gives it body and depth, while reserve wines and barrel fermentation contribute its signature brioche, toast and nutty complexity. It has enough structure to accompany food rather than serving only as an aperitif.
Excellent with oysters, lobster, scallops, sushi, roast chicken, prosciutto or Parmesan.
