2002 La Grande Annee
By Bollinger
The 2002 La Grande Annee from Bollinger
An unforgettable expression of a remarkable year, the 2002 La Grande Annee from Bollinger encapsulates the charm and vibrancy of an excellent champagne vintage. Distinctly set apart from other years, 2002 was a sublime vintage for Bollinger, and La Grande Annee represents this with finesse.
Exceptional Vintage Expressed with Precision
The 2002 growing season was marked by moments of perfect climatic conditions, underpinning the extraordinary quality that we see in this vintage. The vines experienced a mild winter followed by a dry and warm spring which ensured perfect flowering for the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. This was followed by an exceptionally serene summer, whose generous sunshine brought about glorious ripeness reflected within every sip of this impeccable champagne.
A Wine Vintage Worth Investing In
Bollinger's 2002 La Grande Annee is an undeniable testament to time’s ever-favourable influence. Characterised by its scrupulous balance and nuanced complexity, this wine offers investors a striking proposition. The beautiful harmony of luxurious richness and fine acidity promises longevity, marking a vintage that will continue to dazzle over time.
This multifaceted vintage develops splendidly in the glass, commencing with intricate aromas of honeyed fruit and citrus peel, framed by gentle toasted brioche notes. On the palate, the vibrant fruit intensity forms an eloquent dialogue with refined minerality and depth achieved through more than a decade of ageing.
2002: A Season Extraordinaire
The 2002 vintage featured a harmony between weather conditions and optimum grape maturation which is near impossible to replicate. These optimal conditions allowed Bollinger to capture something truly magical. Their La Grande Annee captures not only the uniqueness of this individual vintage but is also reflective of the enduring house style.
In conclusion, the 2002 La Grande Annee from Bollinger epitomises the beauty of a season blessed by favourable weather patterns and the house's tenacious pursuit for excellence. A worthy ambassador for this outstanding vintage, it demonstrates laudable investment potential while offering an unparalleled taste experience.
Market price (GBP)
£1,470.00
12x75cl
Highest score
94
POP score
105
Scores and tasting notes
The 2002 Brut La Grande Annee is marvelous. The 2002 is an understated Grande Annee that caresses the palate with layers of effortless, weightless fruit. The mousse is exceptionally fine, which adds to the impression of total elegance. This is a relatively bright, floral Grande Annee with plenty of aromatic lift, inner perfume and no sense of heaviness at all. A rich, creamy finish adds the final note of complexity and pedigree. The 2002 is 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay, 71% from Grand Cru villages and 29% from Premier Crus. Disgorged February 2011. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2022. Bollinger is of course one of the great names in Champagne. The Special Cuvee is typically one of my favorite wines in its price range, but it is the 2004 Rose La Grande Annee that steals the show this year. Bollinger is unique among Champagne houses in that the reserve wines are all bottled in magnum and with natural cork, a huge, labor-intensive effort. Importer: Terlato Wines International, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604-8900
Antonio Galloni - The Wine Advocate, 30 October 2011