2014 Bollinger La Grande Année

Tinted with golden glints that reflect the wine’s maturity and Bollinger vinification techniques. A precise and fruity nose with a slight scent of sea-air. Aromas of cherry and lemon mingle with quince and bergamot. Then notes of hazelnut and almond, peach and mirabelle plum complete this wine’s range of aromas.

61% Pinot Noir, 39% Chardonnay. 19 crus : Mainly Aÿ and Verzenay for the Pinot Noir, Chouilly and Oiry for the Chardonnay. Fermented entirely in aged oak barrel. Dosage 8 grams per litre.

“Medium-light straw with golden and brassy reflections; superbly complex and mellow to sniff, the nuttiness of barrel contact shows as well as various aldehydes and toasty biscuity characters. In the mouth, the wine is full-bodied and rich, expansive and very generous in its flavour, the same toasty, nutty and biscuity flavours paramount but also citrus (lemon and orange). The dryness is almost searing: it cries out for food, such as fatty poultry or oily pasta. Tremendous power and very long persistence.”
98 points Huon Hooke therealreview.com

“The 2014 La Grande Année is stunning. In fact, it is one of the best recent editions I can remember tasting. What comes through most is the wine’s sizzling energy and tension, qualities that aren’t often associated with Bollinger, where the Champagnes tend to show more breadth and volume. In 2014, readers will find a Grande Année built on linear intensity and drive… a truly magical Grande Année that will delight Champagne fans for several decades. I can’t recommend the 2014 highly enough. It’s a total knock-out. ”
98 points Antonio Galloni vinous.com