Maison Bollinger, La Grande Année Brut, 2018
Maison Bollinger, La Grande Année Brut, 2018
- 75cl
- 12.5%
- White Sparkling
- Pinot Noir, Chardonnay
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Optimal drinking window: 2030 - 2048
La Grande Année is the embodiment of the carefully preserved traditional expertise of the Bollinger Champagne House. The wine is therefore exclusively vinified in small aged oak barrels. Champagne Bollinger has never abandoned this traditional craft method, which helps develop aromas of great finesse.
With an impressive 96 points from Antonio Galloni — outscoring even the prestigious 2002 and 2012 vintages — alongside 95–97 points from Essi Avellan, it's no surprise that the Honest Grapes team were absolutely blown away when tasting the wine at the estate just last week. Even better, it comes in at 15% less than the previous Grande Année release — bravo to the Bollinger team!
The 2018 vintage is also an emotionally resonant one for Bollinger, marking the year they began rebuilding their historic cellars and constructing a new hotel ahead of their bicentenary celebrations in 2029. It’s a particularly elegant expression of La Grande Année, which Galloni describes as “quite pretty and delicate,” yet it still carries that unmistakable Bollinger energy and focus, with layers of textural richness balanced by fine acidity.
What the critics say:
"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."
"Bollinger’s 2018 La Grande Année is quite pretty and delicate. Floral and citrus notes are nicely lifted in a Grande Année that offers notable sensuality and grace. Hints of orchard fruit, chamomile, mint and chalk build through the mid-palate and into the taut, chiseled finish. There’s plenty of energy and focus. More importantly, this is a fine effort in a year marked by high yields in Champagne. I would give this a few years in the cellar. The 2018 is 66% Pinot Noir and 34% Chardonnay from 19 villages, 73% Grand Cru and 37% Premier Cru. The core villages are Aÿ, Verzenay and Mareuil for Pinot Noir and Avize, Chouilly and Cuis for the Chardonnay. Dosage is 7 grams per liter. Disgorged: March 2025"
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