La Grande Année 2018.

We are delighted to offer the new release of Bollinger La Grande Année 2018. This unique expression of the vintage is a blend of 66% Pinot Noir and 34% Chardonnay from 19 crus, with the fruit coming exclusively from Grand Crus and Premier Crus; predominantly Aÿ and Verzenay for the Pinot Noir, Chouilly and Avize for the Chardonnay. Vinification takes place in 100% small old oak barrels, aged under natural cork for 7 years on its lees and still riddled and disgorged by hand….no expense is spared!

The Vintage and Wine

Bollinger La Grande Année 2018

£470 per 6 ib - pre-arrival mid 2026

The 2018 is a wonderful success. A vintage marked by an early and abundant harvest (first grapes picked by 23rd of August). A late budburst followed by mild spring weather gave way to a hot, dry summer, resulting in a harvest in perfect sanitary condition. The chalk soils of Bollinger’s Grands and Premiers Crus vineyards regulated conditions, producing particularly excellent, concentrated, and perfectly ripe Pinot Noir.
 
The wine offers freshness, and there is little surprise that Champagne Bollinger’s signature rich, open style shines through. The wonderful smoky, nutty, and caramel tones imparted by Bollinger’s distinct oak barrel fermentation are already present, and the long period of lees ageing adds to its exceptional aromatic intensity.

Anticipated to arrive in the UK from June onwards

 

The Critics View

95-97
Essi Avellan MW
In the generous, precocious 2018 season, Bollinger chose to anchor La Grande Année in a resolutely classical register. Particularly satisfied with the authority of their Pinot Noir, the backbone is drawn from Aÿ, Verzenay and Mareuil-sur-Aÿ. The Chardonnays come principally from Avize, Chouilly and Cuis, but in total, 19 grands and premiers crus contribute to the assemblage. The bouquet is immediately expressive, unfolding with ripe orchard fruit, yellow apple and poached pear, layered with Mirabelle plum, dried meadow flowers and a touch of sun-warmed straw. Aeration reveals subtle hints of light pastry and spice. On the palate, the texture is broad and finely chiselled, carried by a persistent salinity. The phenolic maturity of the warm vintage lends structure, framing the lush fruit. Despite its early approachability, there is no heaviness; instead, the wine combines suppleness with vibrancy, finishing long and seamless. Already gratifying yet clearly built for graceful evolution. 95 points with potential for 97
Drinking Date: 2018 - 2038
94-96
Richard Juhlin
Enormous expectant energy and an underlying well-hidden power that will be firing on all cylinders after 2035
Drinking Date: 2018 - 2038

To pre-order, please contact.