BOLLINGER

Trying the much anticipated 2008 vintage of Bollinger Grande Année on a sunny spring morning with Export Director Karl Reuter was nothing short of exquisite. The Champagne, in its new “1846” bottle, has been aged for more than twice the time required by the appellation and this has certainly been time well spent. There is an inviting golden hue to the wine which points towards the extensive bottle ageing already received. The freshness of the vintage is immediately apparent on the nose - spiced apple along with delicate notes of peach, almond and honeysuckle jump from the glass. The first sip reveals invigorating energy that wakes up the taste buds - it is generous but bracing at the same time. The structure is remarkable suggesting this has a long road ahead of it. Toffee apple, green orchard fruit, nuts, spice and honey are framed by a steely mineral frame. You can certainly drink this now but, with time in the cellar, I have no doubt it will mature wonderfully. Drinking range: 2021 - 2035L&S (Mar 2019)

Enticing hints of toasted cumin, ground anise and graphite waft from the glass of this harmonious, mouthwatering version, accenting the finely meshed flavors of crushed black currant, poached apricot, grilled nut and lemon curd. The texture shows a lovely viscosity, extending the flavor range on the lasting finish. Drink now through 2033. From France.—A.N. Senior editor Alison Napjus says: “This marries Bollinger’s signature richness with the 2008 vintage’s luxurious textural character and steely backbone of acidity. Though the house does not adhere to a strict release schedule, chef de cave Gilles Descôtes, who started at Bollinger as vineyard manager in 2003 before his promotion to head winemaker in 2013, decided to hold the 2008 Grande Année. The cuvée is typically aged seven to nine years before release, depending on the vintage’s character. Descôtes said the 2008’s ‘impressive freshness’ is what made him wait a full 11 years before launching this classic Pinot Noir–dominant blend.” Drinking range: 2019 - 2033 Rating: 96 Alison Napjus, The Wine Spectator (Oct 2019)

Bollinger's 2008 Grande Année is rich, ample and full-bodied, with all of the pedigree of the vintage on display. Dried pear, dried flowers, chamomile, red plum and mint develop as the 2008 shows the breadth and creaminess that are such signatures of the Bollinger house style. A whole range of brighter, more floral and chalky notes appear later, adding translucence and energy. The 2008 is 71% Pinot Noir and 29% Chardonnay taken across 18 crus, and it is the Pinot that very much informs the wine in both flavor and texture. More importantly, the 2008 is one of the best Grande Années I can remember tasting. Bollinger fans won't want to miss it. Rating: 97 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Jul 2019)