Product description
Olivier Collin (Champagne Ulysse Collin) is a legendary “grower” from the village of Congy, known for his single-vineyard wines and minimal intervention in the winery; his style was shaped by his time working with Anselme Selosse.The portfolio includes m.in.Les Pierrières (Chardonnay) and Les Maillons (Pinot Noir); the estate’s reputation is built on precision, energy, and the power of the terroir—its wines regularly receive excellent reviews and are highly sought after.Les Maillons is a vineyard in Barbonne-Fayel (Côteaux du Sézannais) with heavy, iron-rich clay soils over chalk; Collin owns approx..2.5 ha out of a total of 6 ha.Annual production from Les Maillons (various cuvées) is ~22,000–24,000.bottles, which, given global demand, fuels the manufacturer’s collector’s appeal.
Ulysse Collin Les Maillons Blanc de Noirs Extra (2018 base): 100% Pinot Noir from east-facing slopes (planted around.(1971), base wine from 2018 + approx..60% reserve wines from 2017; fermentation and aging in barrels (large and 225-liter), followed by ~36 months on the lees, disgorgement in 2022; very low dosage (approx..(2–2.4 g/l).For this vintage, William Kelley (Wine Advocate) awarded a score of 97/100 .
Aging Potential and Collectibility: Les Maillons (2018 vintage) is already delightful today, but it has a safe aging potential of 10–15+ years (Pinot Noir structure, iron-rich clay, low dosage, and long autolysis), and its limited supply and “cult grower” status make it attractive to collectors.Market prices and subscription figures confirm demand for 2018-based issues.
Appearance: Light straw color with golden highlights; very fine, persistent perlage; even and elegant effervescence.
Aroma: Intense and multi-layered—mirabelle plums, dried apricots, comb honey, orange oil, bee pollen, hints of spices, and the characteristic iron-like minerality of the Les Maillons terroir.
Taste: Full-bodied, dense, with a wine-like structure, silky and juicy.On the palate: a fine, creamy mousse; juicy yellow fruit; floral notes; and a long, chalky-salty finish.A very well-balanced wine that combines the power of Pinot Noir with the elegance of autolysis.
Food pairing: It pairs perfectly with roast duck or goose, pork confit, tuna, or salmon sautéed in butter.It also pairs perfectly with aged cheeses (Comté, Gruyère), mushroom dishes, and demi-glace sauces.