2004 Champagne Bollinger, La Grande Année, Brut

La Grande Année is the ultimate expression of the Bollinger house style; rich and full - one of the world’s great Champagnes. Still family owned, this is a champagne house of world renown and one of my favourites! In exceptional years (perhaps 4 times a decade) they produce La Grande Annee, their Prestige Cuvee. 75% of the fruit is from Grand Cru sites, the remaining 25% from the finest Premier Cru, first fermentation is in 100% old oak barrels, aged for 5 years on its lees….no expense is spared!

These are classic and complex Pinot Noir dominated Champagnes, powerful yet refined with the ability to age beautifully. 2004 was a vintage which combined quality and quantity. Conditions were similar to those of 1998, which is now perceived as an excellent year. The 2004 releases are fine successors to the outstanding 2002 wines, continuing the quality of this extraordinary Cuvee.
Simon Field MW, Wine Buyer

Surprisingly forward aromas of flowers, sherbet, toast and autolysis compete for attention on the delightful bouquet. There’s huge power on the dense, lush palate with notes of red apples, stone fruit and ripe figs which are balanced by some refreshingly crisp acidity, before the long, well-defined lingering mineral finish, rounds off this fantastic offering from Bollinger. Very tempting to drink now, but this will improve for another year or two and drink well through 2020 and beyond.
Chris Pollington, Fine Wine