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  • 90

1989 Bollinger Grande Annee Brut Champagne

Champagne,
$84. 95
Bottle
$1019.4 Dozen
Closure: Cork

Bollinger is a Champagne house that inspires awe. In a recent tasting of seven different Bollingers including R.D. 1979, 1982 and 1985 it is not hard to see why it has a great International following. The blends usually consist of 62% Pinot Noir, 35% Chardonnay and a maximum of 3% Pinot Meunier.The grapes are sourced from 30 different sites, thus giving Bollinger complexity from the outset. Also grapes are harvested with a low pH which means that the acid levels are high, making the base wines ideal for long term maturation. Bollinger is one of the few Champagne houses that still barrel ferment their base wines. Barrel fermentation adds complexity through an oxidative process, producing a richer broader style of wine. Bollinger also practice aging base wines in magnums and on cork, creating a reserve of base wines for future blending. Complexity is the name of the game and that is certainly a feature of the Bollinger style. Tasting notes: Bright straw colour with fine profuse bead. The nose is a little reserved at first, but yields a delightful green apple aroma enhanced by developed toasty background aromas. The influence of the Pinot Noir is certainly felt on the palate. Rich creamy texture, with excellent weight and depth of flavour. The acidity is relatively soft, with long creamy yeast autolysis aftertaste. Exceptional.

RE TASTED 25/10/2000
Ghislain de Montgolfier, calls this a 'very British Bollinger' as it appears to suit the tastes of our English Cousins with its rather unusual flavours. Made from a blend of 65% Pinot Noir and 35% Chardonnay.Brilliant straw colour, with outstanding mousse and very fine profuse bead. The nose is a little restrained and doesn’t have the yeasty autolysis lift of the 1992, however, the palate is fuller. Flavours of pear, caramel and an unusual but superb flavour of black coffee, with strong flor yeast background. Excellent balance, with the acidity quite evident, followed by very long aftertaste.

RATING: 90/100

VALUE: XXXX/5