CHAMPAGNE BOLLINGER
CHAMPAGNE, FRANCE
Why Buy: To fully grasp the profound splendor of Bollinger is to appreciate the house's unwavering adherence to hallowed tradition. As one of the great independent estates of Champagne, Bollinger steadfastly clings to the exacting, labor-intensive methods that have fallen by the wayside for most — from vinification in small oak casks to extended aging that develops rapturous complexity. The 2015 La Grande Année and PN VZ19 NV embody this purist's ethos, crafted with a reverence for provenance that elevates them to the level of the empyrean. For the collector who exalts in history, pedigree, and an unflinching commitment to excellence above all else, these are absolutely essential additions.
What They're Saying: Champagnes typically don’t garner much in the way of ratings from the critical community, let alone high ones, so any praise a bottling does receive is both aberrant and striking.The 2015 La Grande Année is one of the rare exceptions. James Suckling hailed it, in a 96-point rave, as an "enticing" wine of "earthy-smoke nuance," "alive with acidity and full of finesse," while Vinous, awarding 96 points as well, noted that the bottling "clearly reflects the decision to pick [the grapes] on the later side — there's real density and textural richness here."
The Bottlings: The radiant 2015 La Grande Année articulates the grand vision through its exquisite blend of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay from Champagne's most esteemed terroirs. Aged for several years sur lie to develop profound depth and complexity, it will only continue to develop for several decades more. Then there's the PN VZ19 NV, a powerhouse 100% Pinot Noir Blanc de Noirs sourced from a single vineyard plot and aged in Bollinger's coveted small casks.
Our Tasting Notes:
* La Grande Année 2015 unveils layers of extraordinary richness and precision — beginning with the nose, which delivers notes of stone fruits, citrus oil, warm brioche, and an intriguing, mouthwatering saline undercurrent. The palate is deep and sensuous, moving you from ripe orchard fruit to luxuriant pastry cream, all accented lightly by candied ginger. It finishes with riveting tension and a wonderful and reverberating salinity.
* The PN VZ19 NV is a profound, terroir-driven expression that unfolds in waves — with wild berries, forest floor, chalky minerals, and baking spice tones all coalescing to give energy, dimension, and vitality to this Blanc de Noirs. Above all, the finesse and uncompromising grace that have long distinguished Bollinger's masterworks are here, and in glorious abundance.
The Story: To sip a bottle of Bollinger is to be transported back to the golden age of the house's founding in the early 1800s. With a reverence for tradition, it remains one of the region's stalwart upholders of the meticulous, time-honored production methods that have grown rarer in modern times. From the tiny oak casks utilized for vinification to the protracted lees aging that can quadruple the appellation's requirements, each step is an exacting ritual carried out with monastic devotion. It is this fidelity to heritage that bestows Bollinger's Champagnes with ineffable grace and profundity.
What to Pair Them With: Bollinger's Champagnes are among the best pairing wines in the world, and that elegance, balance, and drinkability is very much on display in these bottlings, making them a perfect partner for raw oysters, terrines and pâtés, roast chicken, and nearly any preparation of seafood.
Fun Fact: Though many houses throughout France shuttered during WWII, Georges Bollinger braved unimaginable peril to protect his family's treasures. Through sheer vigilance and heroic acts of daring, he foiled would-be pillagers on multiple occasions — enabling Bollinger's sacred legacy to emerge unscathed through one of history's darkest periods.
Our Guarantee: As with all our offerings, these wines come directly from the estate. Your bottles will arrive in pristine condition, ready for your cellar—or your glass.
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Winter 2024. With the supply chain issues that we are seeing globally, there may be some unforeseen delays which could affect the ETA. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer not valid in KS, MI, NJ, NY, or TN. This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Thursday, July 11th, 2024.
