Bollinger Champagne is quite simply Champagne aristocracy. It has the extraordinary claim of having held the Royal Warrant since 1884, and quite rightly so. This family-run house situated in the heart of the Montagne de Reims in the Grand Cru village of Aÿ is famed for its Pinot based Champagnes, and no other vintage exemplifies their house style better than the exquisite 2005 Grande Année.
Bollinger’s raison d’être is to create a Champagne with backbone, extraordinary structure and layered complexity. At the very pinnacle of their collection are their Grande Année vintage Cuvées. The 2005 is a blend of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay and is, in President of Bollinger Jérôme Philipon’s own words, “the purest expression of Pinot Noir you’ll find in a Champagne”. It is a sensational cuvée.
There can be no better way to appreciate Grande Année’s magnificence than in a Magnum or Jeroboam; the ultimate treat. This large format parcel is a very special release direct from the house in limited quantities. This is a wine which will provide extraordinary pleasure today, but has a potential to keep and evolve for quite a few years yet.
*Available for immediate delivery. Free UK delivery
Bollinger Grande Année 2005
£360.00 per 3 Magnums IB / £451.22 per 3 Magnums inc VAT (150cl)
£300.00 per Jeroboam IB / £372.82 per Jeroboam inc VAT (300cl)
I love when Bollinger leaves the Pinot Noir in the driving seat like this. The sweet flirty vintage that I so often criticise is here turned into an advantage. The classic hazelnuttyness becomes sicilian pistachio. The dark cocoa notes become heavenly milk chocolate. Despite this obvious nirvana of pleasure there is a seriousness and sleeping animalistic power… A very great vintage Bollinger indeed! 95 points Richard Juhlin
Classic Bollinger nose with great power in the mouth yet this delicious champagne also shows great finesse on the palate. With quince fruit flavours, a fine mousse and toasty, oaky notes dominating this new vintage, la Grande Année is a refined, focused and memorable wine for a special occasion. 17.5 points Jancis Robinson MW