Bollinger La Grande Annee 2008

Bollinger's La Grande Annee is the house's flagship vintage prestige cuvee, made only in the best years and renowned for its depth, structure and long ageing potential.

The 2008 is rich, ample and full-bodied, showing the breadth and creaminess that are signatures of the Bollinger house style, with notes of dried pear, dried flowers, chamomile, red plum and mint. A range of brighter, more floral and chalky notes emerge with air, including pumice stone and a hint of dried apricot, adding translucence and energy through a controlled, expansive finish.

• Producer: Bollinger
• Country: France
• Region: Champagne
• Vintage: 2008
• Grape: A blend of around 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay from grand and premier cru vineyards, principally Ay and Verzenay for Pinot Noir and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger and Cramant for Chardonnay
• Bottle size: 75cl
• Alcohol: 12.0% ABV
• Style: Prestige cuvee vintage Champagne
• Critic score: 97 points, Vinous
• Serving temperature: 8-10C
• Food pairing: Roast chicken, lobster, aged Comte or other hard cheeses
• Storage: Store horizontally in a cool, dark place with a stable temperature
• Drinking window: Still youthful and built for the cellar, but already drinking beautifully; will continue to develop well into the 2030s