Champagne Bollinger 2005 La Grande Année Brut 2005
Champagne, FranceLa Grande Annee is made only in the best years, and although 2005 can't be widely reputed to be one of those, Bolly makes it otherwise. 70/30 pinot noir/chardonnay was sourced from 13 crus, fermented in small French oak and spent nine years on the lees; this bottle was disgorged in 2015. The autolytic, leesy depth is impressive, a perfect foil against the precise, taut and lemon pith acidity. Dense apple, brioche and toasted hazelnuts on the structured, complexed and fresh palate, one that ends with fine spices. Drinking beautifully now, but will easily hold and mature over the next decade plus.Tasted: 06 December 2016Tasted by: Prices:
Champagne Bollinger 2005 La Grande Année Brut 2005
Champagne, FranceLa Grande Année is only made from free-run juice and in only the best years. It’s not how you would describe the 2005 vintage, but the 70 percent Pinot Noir and 30 percent Chardonnay made from 13 Crus (Aÿ and Verzenay for Pinot Noir and Avize, Chouilly and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger for Chardonnay) seems to have overcome the wet weather. It was disgorged in 2014 after 8 years on lees and is surprisingly ready to drink. What makes the nose so beautiful and enticing is a persistent bead of pin-head size bubbles that release the aromas in the most gentle fashion possible. It’s not a shy wine, but like the Special Cuvée the current style has more finesse and restraint then we have seen in the past, adding to this wine's attraction. Creamy, warm brioche mixes with floral, nutty, tangerine and gentle spicy notes that scream complexity and length. There is more sugar ripeness and less acidity, which is why it's drinking well now and will likely age faster than the norm. Simply excellent. When you find yourself losing faith in wine, this champagne will recharge your batteries.Tasted: 27 July 2016Tasted by: Prices:
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