Wine write Owen Bargreen recently tasted through the Champagne Bollinger lineup, for his eponymous website, formerly the Washington Wine Review. Read the full article HERE
NV Champagne Bollinger ‘Special Cuvee’ Champagne- The NV ‘Special Cuvee’ is a compelling blend of 60% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay, 15% Pinot Meunier which was sourced from almost entirely Premier Cru and Grand Cru vineyards. Very rich and generous in the glass, this offers lovely musty aromas on the nose with baked green apple, star jasmine and a dusting of white pepper. The palate is big and broad-shouldered, with brilliant underlying finesse. Enjoy now and over the next eight years. Everything is wonderfully in balance here, as this just may be the pinnacle of champagne in this price range. Drink 2022-2030- 92
NV Champagne Bollinger Rose- A downright gorgeous salmon hue, the NV Champagne Bollinger Rose is a lovely blend of 62% Pinot Noir and 24% Chardonnay with 14% Pinot Meunier that was sourced from nearly all Grand Cru and Premier Cru vineyards. Very tart red fruits combine with salted green melon, sourdough bread and suggestions of green apple on the palate. Refined and elegant, this is beautiful wine to consume now and over the next ten years. Drink 2022-2032- 92
2014 Champagne Bollinger ‘La Grande Anne’ Champagne- The 2014 Champagne Bollinger ‘La Grande Anne’ Champagne is a full-bodied effort that is somewhat reminiscent of the 2012 bottling in terms of overall weight. A blend of 61% Pinot Noir, 39% Chardonnay that was given 8G/L dosage, once on the nose this shows off light musty aromas of white truffle and freshly tilled salty soils, alongside bright Gravenstein apple and lemon rind accents. The palate is plush and full-bodied, showing a gratifying sense of both weight and verve. Finishing long with stony and salty undertones, this is a terrific showing even now at the eight year mark, as the ebullient 2014 Champagne Bollinger ‘La Grande Anne’ Champagne will surely live on for at least another fifteen years — and potentially more. Drink 2022-2037- 95
