Champagne Bollinger is renowned for its richly textured, Pinot Noir–driven cuvées. Known for its traditional methods, use of oak barrels and extended cellaring, the Maison has built a reputation for creating complex and age-worthy champagnes.
A recent addition to its portfolio is the popular PN series, launched as an ongoing exploration and showcase of the diversity of its emblematic grape Pinot Noir. The PN series takes a terroir-led approach: the letters “PN” denote Pinot Noir, while the following letters and numbers refer to the featured village and base year. The cuvée is reinvented with each new edition, showcasing a unique profile of Bollinger’s trade mark variety.
In the sixth and latest release in the series, PN TX20, the “TX” refers to Tauxières, a high-quality Premier Cru village in the Montagne de Reims. The “20” denotes the hot 2020 base vintage that forms the core of this release.
This particular bottling builds on Bollinger’s tradition of depth and structure, while offering a sharper focus on regional identity. In Tauxières, a cool, southern facing part of the Montagne de Reims, the soils are a mix of chalk and clay, ideal for producing structured yet elegant Pinot Noir. Supporting parcels from Aÿ and Avenay add further nuance and depth, while Bollinger’s signature inclusion of reserve wines, approximately half of the blend and some over a decade old, add richness and complexity.
The 2020 vintage was a remarkable year in Champagne marked by early ripening, exceptional fruit quality and low yields. A warm spring and dry summer led to one of the earliest harvests on record, beginning in mid-August. For Pinot Noir in particular, the grapes reached excellent phenolic ripeness while retaining crucial acidity: a balance that is essential for ageing and complexity.
PN TX20 captures this balance beautifully. It offers vibrant aromas of citrus peel, white stone fruits and a whisper of salinity, underpinned by hints of toasted nuts and chalk. The palate is precise and layered, with lively acidity supporting flavours of red apple, lemon zest and subtle pastry notes. A fine mineral thread runs through the wine, reflecting the chalk and clay soils of Tauxières.
Elegant and expressive, this rewarding release continues Bollinger’s exploration of Pinot Noir through the lens of place. The PN series, which has included previous editions such as VZ15, AYC18, and VZ19, provides a compelling study of how terroir shapes character, including within a single grape variety.
Our tip
With its balance of freshness and depth, PN TX20 pairs beautifully with roast poultry, aged hard cheeses and mushroom or truffle-accented dishes.
