2014 Bollinger 'La Grande Annee' Brut Champagne
2014 marked an exceptional year: After the sunniest June in 50 years, which resulted in a fairly early flowering, the months of July and August in particular were the coldest for almost 50 years. The two largest Bollinger vineyards –Aÿ et Verzenay –began harvesting five days after the official opening dates. All Bollinger vineyards began harvesting on the same day, the 15th of September (5 days later than the official date), resulting in the harvest being very grouped up and completed in just nine days (usually this takes two weeks). The acidity was preserved by the cold summer, and parasites were kept at bay by a bright September, which allowed a beautiful maturity
Vinous
The 2014 La Grande Année is stunning. In fact, it is one of the best recent editions I can remember tasting. What comes through most is the wine’s sizzling energy and tension, qualities that aren’t often associated with Bollinger, where the Champagnes tend to show more breadth and volume. In 2014, readers will find a Grande Année built on linear intensity and drive. [This is] a truly magical Grande Année that will delight Champagne fans for several decades. I can’t recommend the 2014 highly enough. It’s a total knock-out