Bollinger La Grande Année 2005: New Release


bollinger-la-grande-annee-2005

In 1976, Bollinger Vintage became Grande Année; then, in 1997, “La” Grande Année… A name simple enough to illustrate its exceptional status: because only truly extraordinary years become vintage at Bollinger.

2005: 50 years on from the first release of R.D 1952, this was a challenging vintage, however, Bollinger have managed to create a superb La Grande Anneé which already is showing very promising signs. 195 hectares of Bollingers own vineyards create 95% of La Grande Année, the grapes experienced a rainy July and August, however, once again the September weather prevailed to save the harvest, the 2005 was harvested slightly later than usual. From this vintage, Bollinger have mastered the creation of this Champagne, producing superb fruitiness.

Jérôme Philipon, President of Champagne house Bollinger, described the 2005 as “the purest expression of Pinot Noir you’ll find in a Champagne”.

A ripe fruit and candied orange flavour on the palate, finishes with a long creamy and subtle acidity.

This vintage is ready for drinking now, nonetheless, given time to mature this will create even more wonderful complexities and although it contains a small dosage of 6 g/L, Bollinger cellar master Gilles Descôtes argues that this will not prevent any ageing.

Buy Bollinger La Grande Anneé 2005 here.