Tasting Notes
Robert Parker 93
Bollinger’s 2005 La Grande Annee is a classical but comparatively precocious rendition of this cuvee that’s already drinking well, offering up aromas of honeyed yellow apples, dried white flowers, English walnuts, praline and tea leaves. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, broad and vinous, with a fine mousse, ripe acids and a dry, richly saline finish. It was disgorged with six grams per liter dosage after more than nine years sur lattes. While this isn’t a historic vintage for Bollinger or for Champagne as a whole it’s a persuasive Grande Annee that exemplifies the house style.
Anticipated maturity: 2018-2028
Vinous 89
The 2005 Brut La Grande Annee hasn’t changed much since I last tasted it about six months ago. If anything, the 2005 is a bit less interesting than it was when I first tasted it. Soft, forward and heading towards maturity, the 2005 is a Champagne to drink now and over the next few years. This is an especially hollow Grande Annee lacking mid-palate depth and continuity. Disgorged: May 2015.
Anticipated maturity: 2015-2020