Bollinger
La Grande Année Brut Champagne Blend
Aÿ, Vallée de la Marne, Champagne, France
The 2012 ‘La Grand Annee’ is a seriously good wine that has massive cellaring potential. Marzipan with hints of nutmeg and brioche offer their place on the bouquet. The silky mousse really entices as layers of kumquat zest and Challah bread collide with minerals, smoke and lovely green apple tones on the palate. The length and elegance of this wine is really great, as is the lovely sense of texture. Long and generous, this has the richness and laser-like minerality to cellar well for decades to come. Drink 2020-2035- 94
The 2012 ‘La Grand Annee’ is a seriously good wine that has massive cellaring potential. Marzipan with hints of nutmeg and brioche offer their place on the bouquet. The silky mousse really entices as layers of kumquat zest and Challah bread collide with minerals, smoke and lovely green apple tones on the palate. The length and elegance of this wine is really great, as is the lovely sense of texture. Long and generous, this has the richness and laser-like minerality to cellar well for decades to come. Drink 2020-2035- 94
Aug 1st, 2020
Toasty lemon & café au lait with long finish, lovely aromas, just gorgeous
Toasty lemon & café au lait with long finish, lovely aromas, just gorgeous
Dec 22nd, 2014A decidedly lovely clear gold with effusive perlage in the glass. Tiny, persistent bubbles and really nice creaminess. The nose is remarkable and highly expressive with some really nice citrus aromas fresh out of the gate. Kumquat and pears, marzipan and apricots. Fresh brioche bread and a welcome shock of nutmeg and cinnamon. Chamomile after around 45 minutes in the glass. A bit of red berry goodness to top things off.
Always a superstar champagne and seemingly always a notch above other vintage Grande Marque bottles. 65% Pinot Noir primarily from Aÿ and Verzenay and 35% Chardonnay mainly from Oiry and Mesnil-sur-Oger. The acidity is still present and zippy despite the dosage of 8 g/l. But the key here is that signature Bollinger power and grace which shines here beautifully. Such a vibrant and elegant champagne.
A full bodied, lush wine. Truly wonderful balance, structure, and texture. The palate follows the nose with citrus fruits for days. Fresh herbs and yeast with a backdrop of spice throughout. Green apples and cherries absolutely sing. A champagne that’s full of clarity and what it wants to be. While it is drinking so nicely right now it may be worth waiting a few years. You will be rewarded.
A decidedly lovely clear gold with effusive perlage in the glass. Tiny, persistent bubbles and really nice creaminess. The nose is remarkable and highly expressive with some really nice citrus aromas fresh out of the gate. Kumquat and pears, marzipan and apricots. Fresh brioche bread and a welcome shock of nutmeg and cinnamon. Chamomile after around 45 minutes in the glass. A bit of red berry goodness to top things off.
Always a superstar champagne and seemingly always a notch above other vintage Grande Marque bottles. 65% Pinot Noir primarily from Aÿ and Verzenay and 35% Chardonnay mainly from Oiry and Mesnil-sur-Oger. The acidity is still present and zippy despite the dosage of 8 g/l. But the key here is that signature Bollinger power and grace which shines here beautifully. Such a vibrant and elegant champagne.
A full bodied, lush wine. Truly wonderful balance, structure, and texture. The palate follows the nose with citrus fruits for days. Fresh herbs and yeast with a backdrop of spice throughout. Green apples and cherries absolutely sing. A champagne that’s full of clarity and what it wants to be. While it is drinking so nicely right now it may be worth waiting a few years. You will be rewarded.
Spectacular year. Really delivers
Spectacular year. Really delivers
Nov 14th, 2021
Still so tightly wound. Opened up around 40 mins in. Classic Bolly, very strong acidity pulling the whole thing. More pear fruit than I generally expect. Sock away for 5-7 years.
Still so tightly wound. Opened up around 40 mins in. Classic Bolly, very strong acidity pulling the whole thing. More pear fruit than I generally expect. Sock away for 5-7 years.
Jul 15th, 2021
First time dining out in 13 months...some fresh Bollinger on a warm spring night was the right call. This one needs more time but seems like excellent potential that left me wanting another bottle of the same...
First time dining out in 13 months...some fresh Bollinger on a warm spring night was the right call. This one needs more time but seems like excellent potential that left me wanting another bottle of the same...
Apr 10th, 2021
Stellar. Golden apple, cinnamon dusted, toasted pie shell. One of the best vintage champagnes I've ever had I believe.
95+ points
Stellar. Golden apple, cinnamon dusted, toasted pie shell. One of the best vintage champagnes I've ever had I believe.
95+ points