Showing posts with label sparkling wine. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sparkling wine. Show all posts

Saturday, August 29, 2026

Bollinger B16 Vintage


With Father's Day just around corner this recent release from one of the leading Champagne houses might just be up a wine-loving Dad's street. It is the newest addition to the By Bollinger series, a collection that showcases the Maison's historic winemaking credentials - and its traditional pinot noir-led power and structure. The collection began with by Bollinger 2003, followed a decade later by B13. Now, B16, the third instalment in the series, shines a spotlight on the late-ripening terroirs of the Montagne de Reims. It is full of apple and pear flavours, some brioche/mineral notes, with spicy hints and a silky finish after being aged for more than seven years on lees and finished with a 4g/L dosage. While this can be enjoyed as an aperitif, it would be better enjoyed with dinner. It is sold in a stylish gift box. $270. https://www.champagne-bollinger.com/en/

Saturday, February 21, 2026

Mumm Marlborough NV Brut Rosé

 


Champagne House GH Mumm - which dates back to 1827 - made a good choice when it selected talented and much-travelled Trina Smith to make its Terroirs sparkling wines across Australia and New Zealand. This pretty pink sparkler certainly impressed my tasting group this week with its vivaciousness; an ideal choice as an aperitif, or with finger food. Made from 100% pinot noir grapes from Marlborough, this is both floral and fruity, but finishes dry with intense, tight red berry/currant flavours to the fore, along with just a hint of shortbread biscuit. Plenty of length here, and plenty of fun. $45.