Champagne Bollinger La Grand Annee 2004

Date of Tasting: 24 July 2015

Wine Type: Sparkling White

Grape Varieties: Pinot Noir 70%, Chardonnay 30%

Alcohol: 12%

Origin: Ay, France

Appellation: Champagne

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR70

Web: http://www.champagne-bollinger.com/
Chubby Appreciation: 93/100
Critics' Opinion: WA - 93/100, AG - 95/100, WS - 94/100, WE - 96/100, ST - 94/100, JR - 18.5/20, CT - 93/100

Appearance: Yellow straw.

Aroma: Toasty nose. Yeasty too. Fruity as well.

Palate: Nice cut of acidity and honey citrus. Orange peel. Hazelnut. Fine mousse. Powerful but yet it was refreshing. Minerally and elegant.

Fine bottle of Champagne to be savoured now. However, there are all means to support development over the decade. It is the matter of strong gut in keeping your hands off to see how it matures in the near future. Had it along with Chinese food and they played along with each other nicely though, especially those not so strong dishes like fish maw soup. If having as aperitif, remind yourself to keep hands off before you don't get a chance to drink other wine.

Score Explanation

95+ = classic and extraordinary

90+ = outstanding in its class

85+ = recommended wine with some degree of enjoyment

80+ = drinkable occasionally

WA = Wine Advocate
AG = Antonio Galloni
WS = Wine Spectator
WE = Wine Enthusiast
JR = Jancis Robinson
DC = Decanter
JS = James Suckling
BH = Burghound
FS = Falstaff Magazine
ST = Stephen Tanzer
CT = Cellar Tracker Average Score