Bollinger La Grande Année 2018

Bollinger La Grande Année Champagne, France, 2018

Grapes: La Grande Année 2018 is a blend of 19 crus, predominantly 66% of Pinot Noir from Verzenay, Aÿ and Mareuil-sur-Aÿ and 34% of Chardonnay from Chouilly and Cuis

Fermentation takes place entirely in oak barrels and the wine is aged, sealed with a natural cork, for more than twice the time required by the appellation. Dosage is 6 grams per litre. Riddled and disgorged by hand.

Producer Tasting Note:

Appearance: A golden yellow colour, reflecting the wine's maturity, but also Bollinger's winemaking methods.

The initial nose bursts with fresh citrus and Granny Smith apple, enhanced by notes of orchard fruits: white peach, apricot, and mirabelle plum. When aerated, fresh almond comes through amid aromas of breadcrumbs and acacia honey. This aromatic harmony is organised around a beautiful central theme, where citrus and mineral notes mingle with a delicate touch of white peony.

A structured and balanced palate, revealing notes of stewed fruit and quince. The texture gradually mellows, offering a creamy effervescence.

Critics' Tasting Notes:

"Originating from a hot and dry growing season—particularly from mid-June onward—during which harvest began as early as August 23 and lasted for a full two weeks, Bollinger’s 2018 La Grande Année, composed of 66% Pinot Noir and 34% Chardonnay, was disgorged in March 2025 with a dosage of six grams per liter. The wine has turned out very well in the vintage context, presenting—unsurprisingly—a broader and more succulent profile than the racy, fine-boned renditions of 2014 and 2008. Unfurling in the glass with aromas of peach, yellow apple, and orange peel mingled with freshly baked bread and mango, it is medium- to full-bodied, ample and textural, with a generous core of fruit, animated by a pillowy mousse and laden with ripe yet vibrant acidity, carrying through to a long finish. It is slightly more expressive in magnum format, though in either case, it will benefit from a few years of post-disgorgement aging to fully unwind."  Drink 2028-2047

94+/100 points, Kristaps Karklins, WINE ADVOCATE, March 2026

"Fine effervescence. A delicate, refined bouquet of white peach, pear, subtle yeast notes, lemongrass, and a hint of oyster shell in the background. A refined sparkling wine. Good body, juicy, with a subtle acidity, delicate white and yellow fruit, mandarin, dried quince, lemon balm, and a hint of honeydew melon on the finish; long."

96/100 points, FALSTAFF (Austria), September 2026

Food Match: The creamy effervescence works with meat dishes, mushrooms, nuts, and red berries, as well as complex flavours such as citrus peel