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  • Country ranking ?

    1 256
  • Producer ranking ?

    82
  • Decanting time

    15min
  • When to drink

    2020-2035
  • Food Pairing

    Seafood, Salads & Consommes

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The Story

La Grande Année is the very embodiment of an exceptional, timeless champagne. Artisanal savoir-faire is at the heart of its production. One such artisanal technique is vinification, which takes place in oak barrels that are around 20 years old. This helps the wine develop complex aromas, and, thanks to micro-oxygenation, lends an extraordinary ageing potential. These 4,000 barrels are housed and maintained in the Champagne Bollinger Cooperage....

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Wine Information

Blend 66% Pinot Noir, 34% Chardonnay
At Bollinger, only very high quality harvests become vintage.
2004 was quite a delicate year in Champagne, with a relatively dry winter and spring but a cold, wet end to the summer. The grapes were picked during a fine Indian summer which meant they were in an excellent state of health. All the conditions were favourable to give their grapes the special qualities necessary for the very best vintages.

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Vintage 2004

A great example of how large yields do not necessarily mean poor quality in Champagne. As a reaction to the previous year's low yields, the vines produced one of the largest crops on record. The growing season proceeded without major difficulties but the bumper crop called for bud thinning. August brought about cooler weather and some rains, increasing the risk of rot. The massive crop, averaging 13,990 kg/ha, was picked from September 18th on...

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Tasting note

color

Light and Straw

nose

Simple and Volatile

recommend

Yes

taste

High in Acidity, Multi-dimensional, Perfectly balanced, Well-Integrated, Youthful and Light

Verdict

Well made

Written Notes

Richer and greater than I had expected. The oak maybe a little too obvious, but in the process of integration. Nice fresh fruitiness, delicious unobtrusive vanilla tones and a crisp minerality that in the current situation overshadows the mushroom tones.
  • 92p

Red fruit-dominant sweet nose, with pastry nuances alongside iris, fallen apple and spices. There is a Burgundian feel to this, with firm structure and old-barrel earthiness. Fresh and vivacious palate that comes with a dry finish and lingering minerality.

  • 94p
Bollinger Grand Année 2004 Muted though powerful nose with green apples, apple blossom, white flowers, lemon and a touch of oxidation with toasted nuts. Young and closed though very serious. Full bodied, round and rich with apples, hazelnuts and citrus. Fine structure, superb mid-palate grip and long finish that sings with minerals and green apples notes. Needs time. 2016-2032 93p
  • 93p
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Information

Origin

Ay, Champagne

Other wines from this producer

B13 Blanc de Noirs

Bollinger Collection

Bollinger Special Cuvée

Coteaux Champenois La Côte aux Enfants

La Côte aux Enfants

La Grande Année rosé

PN TX 17

PN VZ15

PNVZ16

R.D. Bollinger

RD Collection

Rosé

Special Cuvée

Verzenay Réserve

Vieilles Vignes Françaises

Vieilles Vignes Francaises Collection

Vins Clairs Cramant Vinifié en Fût

Vintage Champagne

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