{"product_id":"bollinger-la-grande-annee-2018","title":"Bollinger La Grande Année 2018","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAn exceptional vintage shaped into one of Bollinger’s most distinctive prestige Champagnes.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBollinger La Grande Année 2018 is composed of 66% Pinot Noir and 34% Chardonnay drawn from 19 crus across Champagne, with Pinot Noir sourced predominantly from Verzenay, Aÿ and Mareuil-sur-Aÿ and Chardonnay principally from Chouilly and Cuis. Produced only in vintages the House considers exceptional, La Grande Année represents one of Bollinger’s most important expressions of its traditional winemaking philosophy. The wines are fermented entirely in small, old oak barrels, a practice that encourages gentle oxygen exchange and contributes complexity without overwhelming the fruit. Following fermentation, the Champagne spends an extended period ageing on lees under natural cork, more than twice the minimum period required by the appellation. Each bottle is subsequently riddled and disgorged by hand, maintaining one of the House’s longstanding artisanal traditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2018 displays the generous character of its warm growing season while retaining the freshness and structure associated with Bollinger. Citrus and Granny Smith apple lead into white peach, apricot and Mirabelle plum, followed by fresh almond, bread and acacia honey as the wine opens. The palate is structured and balanced, with stewed fruit and quince complemented by a creamy, finely textured mousse. A moderate dosage of 6 g\/L keeps the overall impression focused and allows the fruit, mineral and savoury elements to remain clearly defined. Its combination of richness, freshness and texture gives La Grande Année 2018 the depth to accompany dishes ranging from seafood to poultry, meat and mature cheeses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNOSE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e– Fresh, expressive and complex\u003cbr\u003eCitrus and Granny Smith apple open into white peach, apricot and Mirabelle plum, with fresh almond, bread, acacia honey and delicate floral nuances.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePALATE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e– Structured, generous and finely balanced\u003cbr\u003eStewed fruit and quince are supported by vivid freshness and a creamy, finely textured effervescence, with citrus and mineral tones bringing definition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFINISH\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e– Persistent, savoury and refined\u003cbr\u003eLayered orchard fruit, citrus peel and subtle almond notes linger alongside a precise mineral freshness and gently creamy texture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviews \u0026amp; Accolades\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e“A statuesque Champagne, with a spine of fine china–like acidity enmeshed in the plush mouthfeel of its finely detailed mousse. That’s an elegant springboard for layers of white cherry, creamed apple and brioche, with a fragrant skein of grated coconut, toasted cumin, anise, acacia blossom and mandarin orange peel accents. A push of salty roasted almond is a subtle but rich and lasting chime on the finish. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.”\u003c\/em\u003e — Alison Napjus, Wine Spectator, 97 Points\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e“Bollinger's 2018 La Grande Annee is quite pretty and delicate. Floral and citrus notes are nicely lifted in a Grande Annee that offers notable sensuality and grace. Hints of orchard fruit, chamomile, mint and chalk build through the mid-palate and into the taut, chiseled finish. There's plenty of energy and focus. I would give this a few years in the cellar”\u003c\/em\u003e — Antonio Galloni, Vinous, 96 Points\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e“Aromas of quince, wet stones, roasted apples, pralines, wilted rose petals, yellow plums and acacia. The mousse is creamy and finely textured, leading to a captivating saline finish. A fine expression of Bollinger. A blend of pinot noir and chardonnay.”\u003c\/em\u003e — James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com, 96 Points\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFiner Details:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBrand - Bollinger\u003cbr\u003eVintage – 2018\u003cbr\u003eRegion - Champagne\u003cbr\u003eCountry - France\u003cbr\u003eSize - 750ml\u003cbr\u003eTier - Prestige Cuvée\u003cbr\u003eABV - 12.5%\u003cbr\u003eDosage - Brut\u003cbr\u003eDisgorgement date - March 2025\u003cbr\u003eGrape Blend \/ Cépage - 66% Pinot Noir, 34% Chardonnay\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Bollinger","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44508096790615,"sku":"BOL-LGA-18","price":299.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0043\/9258\/3217\/files\/73834cc0-dd8c-4158-a35c-9d9e67b05078.webp?v=1792486702","url":"https:\/\/kentstreetcellars.com.au\/products\/bollinger-la-grande-annee-2018","provider":"Kent Street Cellars","version":"1.0","type":"link"}