Nickolls & Perks were delighted to host the Midlands launch event for one of Bollinger’s most prestigious cuvées, the PN TX20.
On Tuesday the 1st of July at The Oyster Club, we welcomed sommeliers to enjoy the latest release, alongside back vintages of this fantastic Blanc de Noirs Champagne. It was a privilege to participate in the launch of this thrilling Champagne, and we are pleased to share our thoughts regarding this latest cuvée.
The PN TX20 is a testament to the elegance, depth and richness of Bollinger’s style. It marks the sixth release in this series, which looks to demonstrate the quality of their Pinot Noir. This grape is one of the key pillars of the Bollinger style, and the PN cuvée is the result of much research into the various styles and origins of Pinot Noir. With each release focused on a different plot, and different base vintage, but with Pinot Noir as the focus, each edition offers a new interpretation of the Maisons savoir-faire.
This particular release highlights the Premier Cru village of Tauxières on the southwestern slopes of the Montagne de Reims. Given the sunny aspect, and the combination of chalk and clay, the pinot produced has finesse, aromatic complexity, and structural precision. It is from this extraordinary terroir that the PN TX20 draws its elegance, structure and distinctive character.
The base year of the TX20 is of course 2020, with 52% of the wine made up from reserve wine, including large proportions from 2008 and 2012. As a vintage, 2020 was an excellent year in the Champagne region. The growing season was successful, and relatively warm, with grapes in good health, great fruit character and complexity. With 48% of the fruit for this wine being from 2020, the PN TX20 showcases the character of the vintage, whilst also focusing on the single-varietal and the terroir. The wine spends 4 years ageing on the lees, twice as long as is stipulated by the appellation. The resultant wine is golden yellow in appearance, with notes of fresh citrus, stone fruit and quince on the nose. The palate is fresh and mineral, yet with real depth and richness too. It is very approachable now, but has the complexity and intensity to go the distance.
Alongside this new release, we were fortunate enough to try the PN AYC18, as well as the PN VZ19, allowing us to compare the TX20 to their two previous editions. It was so intriguing to see the variation in style as a result of the different terroirs, with the previous wines originating from Ay and Verzenay respectively. It was exciting to see the development of the 18 and 19, demonstrating the ageing potential of the 20, which though approachable, is still very young.
The PN VZ19 has a fuller, rich profile. It offered notes of ripe orchard fruit, warm spices, peach and blood orange. The texture is silky, yet firm, with a rather savoury finish. 2019 was a fantastic year for Pinot Noir, and you certainly see that with this wine, as it showcases the trademark richness and power of the variety
2018 saw very concentrated fruit in Champagne, and the PN AYC18 exemplifies this with its rich, ripe style. On the nose, there is an abundance of sweet spice, alongside honey, quince and caramelised apples. The palate is serious and expansive, with layers of complexity brought into focus by a wonderful freshness. This cuvée is so synonymous with Bollinger’s house style, it has weight, texture and elegance. 
We were delighted to try the TX20, alongside the earlier editions, amongst other enthusiasts, and share in this excitement about this cuvée, what it means for Bollinger, and how the subtle differences between crus can be perceived. This is a wine which reinvents itself with every new release, whilst also affirming the heritage and legacy of the Bollinger style.
Following the launch of the TX20, we are pleased to offer the chance to purchase ahead of its delivery in September. – Enquire now via email to sales@nickollsandperks.co.uk