Nothing says ‘long lunch’ like a wine industry tasting for the launch of a hotly anticipated new Champagne. A room full of editors, writers, buyers and vintners came together last Thursday at Japanese omakase restaurant Clap for a feasting menu alongside the exquisite new PN TX20 and other Pinot Noir expressions from the Aÿ-based maison. Overlooking the sun-drenched rooftops of Knightsbridge, the day started with canapés and glasses of Bollinger Rose, singing with summery notes of cherry and strawberry.
The Launch of Bollinger PN TX20
Words by
Jemima Sissons and Sphere Editors
2nd July 2025
The latest addition to the Bollinger PN portfolio is here—crafted entirely from Pinot Noir grapes (that’s the PN, in case you missed it). We pop the cork on this bold release and dive into its punchy, fruit-led character, shaped by the rich terroir of Tauxières.
A variety of vibrant sushi platters served at the launch at CLAP Restaurant, Knightsbridge
We sat down to a banquet of akami sashimi, O-toro and seabass Nigiri and crispy shrimp rolls alongside the peach-packed Bollinger PN VZ19. As convivial cellar master Denis Bunner explained these wines are the result of ‘proof of patience around terroir’ as was revealed by the next one – the Bollinger PN AYC18 which was the perfect complement to pistachio-crusted baby chicken with yuzu daikon. Finally, we were able to try the delicious new PN TX20 alongside lobster thermidor with tarama.
A New Year of PN
As the anticipation simmered and PN TX20 was poured into flutes, the rooftop-full of guests learnt of the release's tribute to the Tauxières cru of Montagne de Reims—a terroir long celebrated for its freshness, precision, and layered depth. Crafted exclusively from Pinot Noir grapes (hence the PN), each sourced from carefully selected parcels in Tauxières, with complementary plots in Aÿ and Avenay, this 2020 vintage showcases Bollinger’s continued exploration of terroir expression within its PN range.
Champagne Bollinger PN TX20 shifts focus towards to area of Montagne de Reims
Following on from the PN VZ19 (2019) release, the PN TX20 continues the Maison’s tradition of shining a light on various differential terroirs and displaying how they individually influence the character of Pinot Noir within Champagne. While the PN VZ19 was predominantly drawn from parcels in Verzenay, known for being expressive and bringing harmony and texture, the PN TX20 shifts focus northwards to Montagne de Reims, emphasising freshness and minerality. This shift is reflected in the tasting profile: where PN VZ19 presented subtlety and complexity, PN TX20 leans into a more vibrant, precise expression, underscored by bright citrus and stony mineral notes.
Both vintages undergo similar vinification processes—predominantly fermented in oak barrels, a Bollinger hallmark that imparts a distinctive complexity and texture. However, the PN TX20's extended maturation of four years on lees (compared to the usual three to four years for previous PN releases) allows for greater integration of flavours and a silkier mouthfeel, enhancing the wine’s length and refinement.
Tasting Bollinger PN TX20
On the nose, PN TX20 opens with zesty citrus and white stone fruits. These bright aromatics evolve into subtle mineral hints that speak to the chalky soils of Montagne de Reims. The palate is a study in balance—initial notes of tart redcurrant and crisp acidity give way to a layered richness. Delicate stewed fruit undertones provide depth without overwhelming the wine’s taut structure, culminating in a lingering, refined finish that fizzles lightly on the tongue.
A bottle of Champagne Bollinger PN TX20 paired with a lobster dish
Denis Bunner further describes the PN series as “a clear reflection of Bollinger’s expertise and the unique expression of its terroirs,” with each release revealing the distinct character of its place and vintage. The PN TX20 exemplifies this mastery through careful vineyard selection and traditional barrel fermentation combined with extended lees aging. By incorporating Tauxières—a lesser-known cru alongside parcels from Aÿ and Avenay—Bollinger boasts the diversity and quality of its Pinot Noir sites, expanding beyond classic Grand Crus to deliver a Champagne that is beautifully tapestried in its components.
Denis Bunner tastes the PN TX20, which leads with notes of juicy stone fruit and fresh citrus
The lunch concluded with a very special ‘vins surprise,’ a red wine, a 2019 cuvee created from the south plot in Aÿ – La Cote Aux Enfants Coteaux Champenois, originally created in the 1950s by Madame Bollinger herself. Aged in small bottles, grapes are late harvested to create a wonderfully well-structured blackberry and spice-rich drop. For some of us, we bade our farewells. For others, it was back to the rooftop for more Champagne and dancing.
Champagne Bollinger PN TX20, £99, is now available from selected outlets across the UK.
