Bollinger La Grande Annee 2018

“If 2015 was like a walk in the forest in autumn, 2018 is spring-winter just when nature is starting to wake up. Enormous expectant energy and an underlying well-hidden power that will be firing on all cylinders after 2035. A real knockout fist treacherously draped in silk gloves. Cold, fresh and sparkling notes of citrus and Granny Smith apples dance beautifully together with the more classic Bollinger notes of brioche and gunpowder-smoky minerality. Right now, there are more green apples here than red apples, more raspberries than peaches, more acacia and yellow roses than honeysuckle, more bitter almonds than hazelnuts, more cinnamon than tar, more shiitake mushrooms than cep, more butterscotch than chocolate, more light birch wood than heavy sauna notes. This is a classic and extremely complex Bollinger with a bright energy. It is easy to be tempted to believe that the wine is lighter than it is because the fresh elements camouflage the strength. The oak is not so pronounced aromatically, but its effect is still clear through the creamy and velvety palate that the wine conveys. Even the biscuity complexity that attracts our senses has part of its origin from the micro-oxidation via the oxygen exchange through the fibers of the small oak barrels. Many have made brilliant champagnes in 2018, but most are still shy and unredeemed and require long aging. This is not the case with Bollinger La Grande Annee. Here you can be part of a wonderful experience right away, although I personally will wait many years before I open my own bottles when the great depth has arrived.”
96 Points, Richard Juhlin

“In the generous, precocious 2018 season, Bollinger chose to anchor La Grande Année in a resolutely classical register. Particularly satisfied with the authority of their Pinot Noir, the backbone is drawn from Aÿ, Verzenay and Mareuil-sur-Aÿ. The Chardonnays come principally from Avize, Chouilly and Cuis, but in total, 19 grands and premiers crus contribute to the assemblage. The bouquet is immediately expressive, unfolding with ripe orchard fruit, yellow apple and poached pear, layered with Mirabelle plum, dried meadow flowers and a touch of sun-warmed straw. Aeration reveals subtle hints of light pastry and spice. On the palate, the texture is broad and finely chiselled, carried by a persistent salinity. The warm vintage lends structure, framing the lush fruit. Despite its early approachability, there is no heaviness; instead, the wine combines suppleness with vibrancy, finishing long and seamless. Already gratifying yet clearly built for graceful evolution.”
97 Points, Essi Avellan MW

La Grande Annee and Bollinger remain absolute benchmarks for Champagne lovers; each edition a unique, fascinating chapter in the houses’ near 200 year history. The 2018 vintage is a blend of 66% Pinot Noir and 34% Chardonnay from 19 crus – predominantly Verzenay, Aÿ and Mareuil sur Aÿ for Pinot Noir, and Chouilly and Cuis for Chardonnay. The 2018 vintage has produced a luminous, exhilarating, and generous wine.

A deep yellow gold in the glass, the colour alone speaks of graceful maturity. The nose opens with vitality — fresh citrus and the crisp bite of Granny Smith apple — before giving way to a more generous, sun-warmed character of white peach, apricot, and the delicate sweetness of Mirabelle plum. Given time the wine reveals fresh almonds and the soft floral lift of acacia. Threading through it all is a cool minerality, gradually softening into a long, creamy effervescence that lingers well after the last sip. A triumph!