Released today: 2018 Bollinger La Grande Année

'A real knockout fist treacherously draped in silk gloves'

La Grande Année is Bollinger's vintage cuvée, made only from the house's best vineyards (all grand and premier cru) and only in the better vintages. Today sees the release of the 2018 Bollinger La Grande Année, widely hailed as a great success. But then, we’d expect no less from the levels of craftsmanship here - Uncorked has visited Bollinger more than once, and we always come away in awe of their commitment to every last detail in their vineyards, the winery, and the cellar.

2018 saw a hot year and a bumper crop in Champagne. After the rains of the previous year, there was plenty of water in the ground, which stood the wines in good stead for the long, hot summer. A bountiful crop was harvested at leisure, in good conditions.

2018 Bollinger La Grande Année is a blend of 66% Pinot Noir and 34% Chardonnay from 19 crus, mainly Aÿ and Verzenay for the Pinot Noir, and Chouilly and Avize for the Chardonnay. Vinification takes place in 100% small oak barrels. It is aged under natural cork for no less than 7 years on the lees, and still nowadays it is riddled and disgorged by hand. Uncorked is with Champagne authority Richard Juhlin, who calls it 'a classic and extremely complex Bollinger with a bright energy... a real knockout fist treacherously draped in silk gloves'. And we’ll have a bottle on tasting this Thursday, from noon in our Copthall Avenue store. We hope to see you there. /NT

Offered subject to remaining unsold. Wines available imminently. To place an order, click on the wines below or call 020 7638 5998