Ulysse Collin, 'Les Pierrieres', Blanc de Blancs, Extra Brut, 48 Mois, Champagne, France, NV

Overview of the Wine
 Of all the Champagne growers to have emerged as producers in the past two decades, one may stand alone in terms of the excitement he has created: Olivier Collin of Champagne Ulysse Collin. 

While other new stars are best known for one or two cuvées, every bottle that Collin is coveted by collectors. And, uniquely among today’s growers, his Champagnes are distinguished first by terroir and then by the length of aging. 

His work revolves around five lieux-dits, only one of which is Pinot Noir: Les Maillons. Three are all Chardonnay: Les Pierrieres, Les Roises and Les Enfers. And the last and rarest,  Le Jardin d'Ulysse, represents all of the classic Champagne grape varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.

But having a line-up of terroir-based cuvees is not unique in Champagne these days. What makes Collin’s bottlings so unique (apart from their phenomenal quality) is the time of aging on the lees, which he has come to believe unlocks the secret to the greatness of his terroirs. 

Winemaker
Olivier Collin

Grape / Blend
Chardonnay

Origin
Champagne, France

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Discover the elegance of this Blanc de Blancs Champagne from Ulysse Collin. This non-vintage Les Pierrières bottling, disgorged in 2016 after 48 months on the lees, offers a symphony of citrus, white flowers, and brioche, with a crisp acidity and a lingering minerality.

97 Points - Wine Advocate
Disgorged with 1.7 grams per liter dosage after 48 months sur lattes, Collin's NV Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Les Pierrières (2016) 48 months bursts with aromas of green apple, blanched almonds, confit citrus and pastry cream. Full-bodied, layered and muscular, it's deep and concentrated, with racy acids and this site's telltale chiseled, incisive profile; it's long and penetrating, concluding with chalky grip. With this late-disgorged version, Les Pierrières takes another step.

97 Points - Decanter
The bouquet is striking in its diverse range of complex scents - there are succulent and delicate aromas of white fruit, lemon, mandarin and almonds. Vinous and lively, the palate has a racy acidity and a penetrating, saline texture that prolongs the overall sensation to a long, airy finish. This is a gastronomic Champagne with great ageing potential. This blanc de blancs was disgorged in March 2020 with a dosage of 1.7g/L. It is based on the 2016 vintage, complemented with a 60% foudre-aged reserve wine from the 2015 vintage.

Product size: 750ml