BollingerLaGrandeAnnee2002Magnum

Champagne Bollinger owns an impressive 178 hectares of vineyards, of which 85% are in Grand Cru and Premier Cru villages. Their land is spread over seven main villages: Aÿ, Avenay, Louvois, Tauxières and Verzenay planted with Pinot Noir; Cuis with Chardonnay; and Champvoisy with Meunier. Bollinger are one of the few Houses to produce the majority of their own grapes for their blends. Pinot Noir represents 60% of the House’s vineyards and defines the House style: complex and powerful with remarkable structure. In 2012 Champagne Bollinger was certified High Environment Value (HEV) this certification rewards a number of environmental procedures implemented at the Maison.rrIn 1976, Bollinger Vintage was re-named Grande Année. Then in 1997, it became La Grande Année â€?‘The Great Yearâ€?â€?a name simple enough to illustrate its exceptional status, because only truly extraordinary years become vintage at Bollinger. This vintage is entirely fermented in oak barrel and is produced from thirteen crus: 95% Grand Cru and 5% Premier Cru.rrWeather: The 2002 vintage shaped up magnificently over the spring, with no significant frost and near-perfect flowering. Then followed a summer marked by long, sunny periods interspersed with regular cloudy and rainy spells. The vines were in good health and the dehydration of the grape berries helped them reach new heights of ripeness. Generally considered one of the best harvests in the last twenty years.rrTechnical Information:rVineyards: 95% Grand Cru, 5% Premier Cru | Pinot Noir: Aÿ, Verzenay | Chardonnay: Avize, Chouilly, Le Mesnil-sur-OgerrGrape Varieties: 60% Pinot Noir, 40% ChardonnayrLees Ageing: 7 yearsrDisgorged: October 2010rDosage: 6 g/lrDrink: Now to 2030rrTasting Note: A champagne with extreme layers of fruit and floral notes. On the nose it has a powerful fruit element that continues through to the palate. Aromatic and creamy tastes add to a long-lasting finish. An incredible expression of a legendary vintage.