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1999 Vieilles Vignes Francaises
By Bollinger
1999 Vieilles Vignes Francaises by Bollinger
In the marvellous realms of Champagne, the 1999 vintage holds a unique positioning for its overall neat balance complemented by generous fruit profiles. Among the stars of this year is the 1999 Vieilles Vignes Francaises from Bollinger, arguably one of its most profound and enchanting iterations yet.
Distinct Charm of an Elegant Harvest
This champagne unveils itself in subtle pleasantries that bear testament to the perfect equipoise of Bollinger's lineage of wine refinement. But it's the remarkable singularity of the '99 vintage that truly strikes an investor's fancy. This year was heralded for its warmer climate, implying ample ripeness and full-bodiedness, distinctly bespoken in the 1999 Vieilles Vignes Francaises from Bollinger.
The Opulence of Time
With time, this champagne has blossomed beautifully, ripening to yield a kaleidoscope of flavours, truly setting this specific vintage investment apart. Aromas of honeyed peach and apple mingle deftly with whiffs of toasted almond and brioche. On the palate, it shows abundant fruity expression coupled with a mature and well-incorporated acidity.
A Wine Investment Par Excellence
For a wine investor, one must look beyond the immediate allure of taste. Investment-grade wines, such as this 1999 Vieilles Vignes Francaises from Bollinger, come with promises of longevity and impressive appreciation over time. Indeed, this vintage delight serves as a superlative example of just that notion.
Crafted from Pinot Noir grapes exclusively taken from two tiny parcels - “Chaudes Terres” and “Clos St Jacques”, which miraculously survived the phylloxera epidemic - this champagne has an incredible demonstration of terroir imbued. The meticulously controlled climate and geological harmony unique to these lands seeps through each sip.
A Profound Taste Testament
Considered a distinguished highlight in Champagne, The 1999 Vieilles Vignes Francaises from Bollinger weaves an inspired palate tapestry - one that lingers long after tasting. Its opulent richness is expertly tempered by a luminous acidity that cuts through the buttery complexity, offering a luxurious finish.
In hindsight, as we explore this champagne’s chronicled journey through palates and portfolios alike, we find ourselves acquainting with the mastery that pits timeless savoir-faire against nature’s predilection — and in that dance, we discover not merely a fine wine, but an investment grade vintage worth noting.
Market price (HKD)
HK$122,050.00
12x75cl
Highest score
95
POP score
851.33
Scores and tasting notes
The 1999 Vielles Vignes Francaises is simply stunning. Layers of perfumed red raspberries, flowers and spices flow onto the palate with breathtaking beauty. The mousse is exceptionally fine, as is everything about this wine. Although the wine possesses superb density and richness, it remains light on the palate and supremely graceful. This bottle was disgorged in July, 2008. Under the direction of Chef de Caves Mathieu Kauffmann, Bollinger produces one of the most consistent lineups in Champagne.Bollinger is one of the handful of larger firms that manages to put out consistently high quality wines despite its size. This estate based in Ay is probably best known to the public through its long association with the James Bond films, which is quite possibly one of the most successful product placement campaigns of all time. Despite the show biz glamor that has inextricably become part of the Bollinger mystique, at their best these are serious wines with significant aging potential. The low-dosage R.D. (recently-disgorged) series can be tremendous, and the Vielles Vignes Francaises, made from pre-phylloxera Pinot Noir vines, is one of Champagne's most exotic bottlings. The estate favors neutral oak barrels for the aging of its top wines. One of the most unique aspects of this estate is that the reserve wines are aged in magnum, rather than in tank, which is the prevailing custom in the region. Bollinger's back labels are quite informative, but it would be nice to see disgorgement dates as well on the non-vintage wines. Importer: Terlato Wines International, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604-8900
Antonio Galloni - The Wine Advocate, 21 December 2008