"Bollinger's 2008 La Grande Année is superb, wafting from the glass with aromas of crisp orchard fruit, ripe lemons, honeycomb, warm biscuits, dried white flowers and a delicate top note of walnuts and fino sherry. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, broad and vinous, with a beautifully refined mousse, superb concentration at the tightly wound core, incisive acids and a supremely elegant intermingling of Bollinger's oxidative stylistic signatures with fresh, vibrant fruit. The finish is long, precise and chalky. This is a Grande Année built for the cellar—the real excitement will come with a bit more bottle age—but this is already a thrilling Champagne in the making. Finished with eight grams per liter dosage, it was disgorged by hand in July 2018. This is also the first vintage of Grande Année to be bottled in Bollinger's new narrower-necked 1846 bottle, which should make for a slower evolving wine. Rating: 97+. Drink: 2022-2060.”
William Kelley, The Wine Advocate, 30th March 2019
"Consumed (rather than tasted) with gusto at the release lunch at FRED’S in July where it was paired with both the entrée and main course to perfection. The wine reeks nobility on the nose. Dry hazelnut with crisp lemon zest, hints of bread and toast. Supremely fresh and inviting, yet packed with inherent power. On the palate, in some ways it’s almost gentle, yet it lingers and lingers with power and finesse. The acid drive is exceptional, and only the greatest quality fruit could be balanced by this acidity and time on lees. Amazing now and a wine that will continue to evolve for many years in the cellar. 71% Pinot Noir, 29% Chardonnay."
Ian Cook, FWC
FRED’S Entrée: Razor heart crudo with crème fraiche, horseradish, beurre noisette & leek
FRED’S Main Course: Roasted Inglewood chicken breast, vol-au-vent, Hakurei turnips & tarragon butter
Now available for purchase online here:
Bollinger La Grande Année 2008
Single Bottle Price: $260.00
Dozen Bottle Price: $234.00