Bollinger La Grande Annee Brut 2018 Champagne

This unique expression of the 2018 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!

And 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 a 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 add to its exceptional aromatic intensity.