Wine Advisor
Bollinger, La Grande Annee Brut 1995
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Description
La Grande Annee by Champagne Bollinger is an exceptional, timeless champagne. Crafted with artisanal savoir-faire, it undergoes vinification in oak barrels, lending complex aromas and remarkable aging potential. The 2014 vintage, an assembly of 19 crus (61% Pinot Noir from Aÿ and Verzenay, 39% Chardonnay from Chouilly and Oiry), reveals golden glints and a precise, fruity nose. On the palate, fine effervescence, vinosity, delicate acidity, and sea-air finish create excellent length.
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
There is a little oxidation on the nose with aromas of citrus fruit, melted candle wax and a hint of kiwi fruit. Very creamy and quite rich on the palate with citrus fruits and creme fraiche. I find this to be little simplistic compared to the Billecart-Salmon ‘96. Drink now. Tasted December 2004.
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
Disgorged January 2003, a year when there was more malolactic in the 1995 compared to the 1996. A blend of 63% Pinot Noir and 37% Chardonnay. The mushroom scent is predominant here, especially when compared with the Grande Annee 1996 and then with time, a touch of rock oyster shells and orange-blossom. The palate is very elegant, less assertive on the entry, lovely citrus fruit, apple-blossom, a hint of limestone, not fanning out with flavours towards the finish like the 1996, just a little more linearity with a soft landing on the finish. Drink now-2015+ Tasted December 2008.
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
This wine was recommended, but no tasting note was given.
About the Producer
Established in the commune of Aÿ-Champagne in 1829, the House of Bollinger is home to an impressive legacy of winemaking excellence, achieved through the polished precision of a finely tuned timepiece. Today, the Bollinger Champagne House reigns over 440 acres dedicated to the vine in the Champagne region of northern France, of which an impressive 85% is classified Grand Cru or Premier Cru. The vineyards are spread out over 7 main communes. Pinot Noir is planted in Ay (the headquarters of the House), as well as Avenay, Verzenay, Louvois and Tauxieres. Meanwhile, the House’s Chardonnay comes from Cuis, while Pinot Meunier is planted in Champvoisy. A complex and powerful grape, Pinot Noir represents 60% of the total plantings, which corresponds to the exact proportion of this grape variety in the blend of the House’s signature Special Cuvee. The two crown gems of the House are its twin plots, the Clos Saint-Jacques and Chaudes Terres, where ungrafted pre-phylloxera vines are tended to by hand, their fruit used to produce the very exclusive and rare Bollinger Vieilles Vignes Francaises cuvee.
