The name’s Année, Grande Année: The exquisite new release of Bollinger’s 2018 La Grande Année

**Bollinger, La Grande Année, 2018 - £470 per 6 IB (excluding duty & VAT) ** We are delighted to offer the latest incarnation of Bollinger’s wonderful La Grande Année cuvée, the 2018. The first of a stellar triptych of vintages, well capable of challenging 2008, 2012 and 2013 for supremacy.

La Grande Année is a firm British favourite, and for good reason; its glorious Pinot fruit from Ay and Verzenay provide a heady opulence and decadence which is measured and checked by luminous 1er Cru and Grand Cru Chardonnay from Chouilly and Avize. With a final blend of 66% Pinot Noir and 34% Chardonnay in the 2018, Bollinger have created a Champagne that effortlessly delivers dark-fruited poise enhanced by chiselled citrus tones and mineral freshness. Vinification takes place exclusively in small old oak barrels. The wine is then lees-aged under natural cork for 7 years, and riddled and disgorged by hand, which is uncommon even for grower Champagne.

Luxurious red fruits dominate the opening gambit; it is Bollinger after all – chilled berries, cherry skin, beeswax, bruised red apple and peach. On the palate the Chardonnay shines through with quince, lemon sherbet, Conference pear, and Mirabelle plum. There is a salty almond and bread-dough note with a hint of soy that will make for a fascinating RD in years to come. Chalk, acacia honey and stem ginger reverberate on the achingly long finish, with a waft of white flowers, vanilla and honeysuckle.

Bollinger’s rich oxidative style and effortlessly cool branding have long resonated with drinkers and collectors, aided by their inextricable links to the cultural zeitgeist. Immortalised forever by James Bond, who has been imbibing Grande Année and its long-aged sibling, RD, on screen since Live & Let Die in 1973. On the smaller screen who could forget Joanna Lumley’s “Bolly”-quaffing liability, Patsy Stone, in Ab Fab, who helped move Bollinger into the mainstream, where it has remained. The house has also enjoyed the privilege of a Royal Warrant since Queen Victoria awarded them their first in 1884. These accolades are well deserved as their Champagne’s are superb, the 2018 Grande Année demonstrates that perfectly.

“Bollinger’s 2018 La Grande Année is quite pretty and delicate. Floral and citrus notes are nicely lifted in a Grande Année 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. More importantly, this is a fine effort in a year marked by high yields in Champagne. I would give this a few years in the cellar. The 2018 is 66% Pinot Noir and 34% Chardonnay from 19 villages, 73% Grand Cru and 37% Premier Cru. The core villages are Aÿ, Verzenay and Mareuil for Pinot Noir and Avize, Chouilly and Cuis for the Chardonnay. Dosage is 7 grams per liter. Disgorged: March 2025” **96 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com (Tasted April 2025) Drink 2030-2048 **