BollingerLaGrandeAnnee2004

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 2004 vintage saw an initial winter of mild temperatures with intermittent storms and hail. The spring and summer months were hot and sunny and the sugar levels late in September produced good quality fruits, especially for the Pinot Noir grapes. A huge harvest in general for the region. Overall many experts believe that 2004 is one of the greatest vintages of the last two decades.rrTechnical Information:rVineyards: 95% Grand Cru, 5% Premier Cru | Pinot Noir: Aÿ, Verzenay | Chardonnay: Avize, Chouilly, Le Mesnil-sur-OgerrGrape Varieties: 70% Pinot Noir, 30% ChardonnayrAgeing: 8 years on the leesrDisgorged: September 2012rDosage: 7 g/lrDrink: Now to 2028rrTasting Note:On the nose, initial honey and gingerbread aromas shine through whilst the palate offers ripe fruit flavours with hints of vanilla. This creamy flavour and subtle acidity combine to leave a long finish â€?this is a complex champagne.