Bollinger La Grande Année 2002

The 2002 Brut La Grande Annee is marvelous. The 2002 is an understated Grande Annee that caresses the palate with layers of effortless, weightless fruit. The mousse is exceptionally fine, which adds to the impression of total elegance. This is a relatively bright, floral Grande Annee with plenty of aromatic lift, inner perfume and no sense of heaviness at all. A rich, creamy finish adds the final note of complexity and pedigree. The 2002 is 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay, 71% from Grand Cru villages and 29% from Premier Crus. Disgorged February 2011. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2022.

In contrast to the heightened expressiveness of the 2004 Grande Année Rosé this is actually quite restrained with discreet notes of green apple, pear and citrus peel. The delicious, intense and voluminous flavors enjoy a prominent effervescence that is almost foamy yet the bead is strikingly fine, all wrapped in a distinctly yeasty, dry and admirably complex finish that goes on and on. This too could be enjoyed now or held for a number of years to come depending on how much yeast character you like.

"...extremely promising combination of the completeness and potential of the 2002 Champagne vintage and Bollinger's distinctive mushroomy perfume, full Pinot-dominated palate and dry finish. This should make great old bones and, thanks to 2002's power, is already much more approachable than many previous young vintage Bollingers. Notes of putty and, oddly, roast chicken(!). Complex, satisfying and extremely promising. To be launched in the UK early next year. Not heavy - just substantial."