2016 Bollinger "La Cote aux Enfants" Still Champagne

This vineyard, close to the top of the steep chalk hill in Ay, is a 9.9-acre monopole assembled by Jacques Bollinger in the early 1930s. The pinot noir for this red wine comes from a 2-acre parcel facing southeast. This is the first vintage in which Gilles Descôtes included whole bunches in the fermentation, which, combined with the active limestone acidity, he hopes will enhance the wine’s structure for aging. On release, its a wine of luscious elegance, with delicate berry savor and umami richness. “It’s a wine that comes from the earth, that’s been warmed by the sun,” said NYC-based journalist Jamal Rayyis. “The fruit is ripe and softens the acidity.” A chic beauty, this wine has a Wow factor that is hard to overstate.