Bollinger 'La Grande Annee' Champagne 2014

Bollinger ‘La Grand Annee’ is one of the greatest Champagne, a traditionalist house making muscular wine with body, length, depth, and every other dimension. Sourcing nothing other than premium fruit, it consists of 76% Grand Crus and 24% Premiers Crus with a minimum aging of 5 years on its lees. La Grande Annee 2014 is an assembly of 19 Crus, mostly in Aÿ and Verzenay for the 61% Pinot Noir and Chouilly and Oiry for the 39% Chardonnay. Fermentation takes place entirely in oak barrels and the wine is aged, sealed with a natural cork, for more than twice the time required by the appellation. Dosage is moderate, 8 grams per litre. Precise and fruity nose with a slight scent of sea-air. Aromas of cherry and lemon mingle with quince and bergamot. Then notes of hazelnut and almond, peach and mirabelle plum complete this wine’s range of aromas. The initial sensation is a fine and intense effervescence, followed by a wonderful vinosity, and then balanced with delicate acidity. Its very fine texture and sea-air finish bring excellent length on the palate, accompanied by a delicate minerality and the complex flavours of orchard fruit and citrus. This wine unfurls gradually, revealing its full potential and intensity. Vinous: 98Pts; Jeb Dunnuck: 97Pts; Wine Spectator: 97Pts; Wine Enthusiast: 97Pts; Falstaff: 97Pts; Wine Advocate: 95Pts; Tim Atkin: 95Pts; Decanter: 95Pts