Bollinger

La Grande Année Brut Champagne Blend

9.374 ratings
9.46 pro ratings
Aÿ, Vallée de la Marne, Champagne, France
Pinot Noir, Chardonnay
Duck, Shellfish, Goose, Mushrooms, Manchego & Parmesan, Game, Pork, Squash & Root Vegetables, Chicken, Turkey, Cheddar & Gruyere, Meaty & Oily Fish, White Fish, Shellfish, Crab & Lobster, Cream Sauces, Exotic Spices, Soft Cheese, Salads & Greens, Potato, Quinoa, Farro, Brown Rice, White Rice, Pasta, Herbs, Nuts & Seeds, Stew, Onion, Shallot, Garlic, Salami & Prosciutto, Salmon, Quinoa
Top Notes For
Roy Goble

And so it begins...

And so it begins...

Nov 26th, 2020
Dr. Owen Bargreen

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
Michel

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, 2014
Willie Carter

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.

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.

Dec 25th, 2021
Christian Fischer

Spectacular year. Really delivers

Spectacular year. Really delivers

Nov 14th, 2021
Byron Fuller

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
Christopher Friend

Happy 5-3!

Happy 5-3!

Jun 18th, 2021
Chris Niro

Um, yeah.

Um, yeah.

Jun 1st, 2021
David Nicewicz

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
M. Christopher Roebuck

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

Mar 23rd, 2021