The 2014 La Grande Annee 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 Annee built on linear intensity and drive. The 2014 is a blend taken from 19 villages, 61% Pinot Noir and 39% Chardonnay instead of the more typical 70/30 mix. For the second time in two decades (the first was 2007), Verzenay takes the lead in the Pinots over Ay, more or less an inverse from the norm. Verzenay, a north-facing village in the Montagne de Reims that saw less rain than Ay and most of the Vallee de la Marne, yields Pinots of energy more than volume. That, married with Chardonnays mostly from the Cotes des Blancs (predominantly Chouilly, Vertus, Oiry and Cramant), results in a truly magical Grande Annee that will delight Champagne fans for several decades. I can’t recommend the 2014 highly enough. It’s a total knock-out. Disgorged: April, 2021. Dosage: 8 grams per liter. 98 points