TN: 1996 Bollinger Champagne La Grande Année (France, Champagne)

  • 1996 Bollinger Champagne La Grande Année - France, Champagne (11/24/2020)
    Given the swift maturing of both Bollinger and (to my taste) 1996 Champagnes, I went into this with a backup bottle ready to go. Didn’t need it, except that we drank the Bolly too quickly. Delicious from the get go, it had a buttery note that played really well with the toast and apple elements. Spice emerged on the back end, and just a hint of caramel. Strong, long finish, and the acids kept bringing me back for another sip, after a bite of gougeres. Just wonderful.

Posted from CellarTracker

Always loved this wine. Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for the note.

A good wine David. Thanks for the note.

I think I have one more of these. Maybe Thursday!

We have one more. Thinking Christmas week.

I think I share your view on drinking Bollinger in its youth and have fond memories of the case+ of this and its rose counterpart, all consumed within the first five years of release (without too much regret).

I seem to have spotty distribution in my local market, as not every vintage seems to be offered. I went on a case of 2008 and have only sampled one thus far. It was fine but actually seemed like a little time on the cork would fill in some blanks. This reminds me that I should check in sometime soon.

Cheers,
fred

I agree with David - the 1996 Bollinger Grande Annee in 750 can be great, or can be too advanced for my taste. In magnum, it’s always been solid for me. Glad you got a good one - I love this wine when it’s on.