Bollinger : La Grande Année 2005

The Bollinger prestigious cuvée, only elaborated when a crop reaches a perfect balance, is the interpretation of Bollinger of an exceptional year. One can recall that 1976 became a "Grande Année", and so did 1997. " La Grande Année"... a name of an obvious simplicity to illustrate better its exceptional status, since only the really unusual years benefit from the privilege of being vintaged at Bollinger. Composed of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay, this splendid cuvée comes from 13 renowned plots. To the eye, Bollinger "La Grande Année" 2005 shows a delicate robe tinted by golden glints, testimony of the ripeness of the wine, but it also shows the vinification methods of Bollinger. On the nose, this champagne expresses a beautiful complexity thanks to several aromas: honey, ginger bread and cinnamon. Then the subtil notes of nuts (hazelnut) and dried flowers (linden-tree) appear. On the palate, this wine is mature, supple, broad and persistant. Aromas of pastries, candied orange and riped fruits blended with restrained woodland and vanilla accents complete the outline of this singular cuvée. The whole is shaped in a creamy effervescence supported by a reticent acidity on finish, yet, it brings freshness and a very aery aspect to this champagne.