1996 Bollinger Brut 'La Grande Année'

The blend consists of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay, of which 75% of the grapes are grown on Grand Crus vineyards and 25% on Premier Cru. The strength, yet subtlety of this wine is to be greatly admired. Very fine persistent bead with excellent mousse. The nose is classic Bollinger with flor yeast top notes reminiscent of a top Manzanilla, followed by toast, biscuit and almonds. The palate displays great complexity with multi layers of biscuit, toast and yeast lees. Creamy, with great finesse and persistence. Perfect acid balance with exceptionally long aftertaste.

"Disgorged January 2005. A deeper hue compared to the 1999, the nose with greater intensity, with delicate honeyed/buttery tones, green apples, a little more mushroomy just in the background, great lift and gaining intensity in the glass. Quintessential Bollinger bouquet. The palate has a rich entry, very good ripeness with touches of clear honey, a touch of mango, melted butter, white flowers and much greater weight than the 1999. Superb definition towards the finish and great length. Outstanding Bollinger, one for the cellar if you can resist temptation, (WA, 95 points)".