2012 Bollinger La Grande Annee Champagne

A blend of 65% Pinot Noir and 35% Chardonnay sourced from 21 different crus, mainly Ay and Verzenay for the Pinot Noir whilst for the Chardonnay Le Mesnil-sur-Oger and Oiry. Fermented entirely in aged oak barrels.
The 2012 Bollinger Grande Annee sits well in the glass with a foamy white mousse showing excellent hold over a straw to pale gold coloured base that has a steady stream of tiny bubbles flowing through it with great persistence. The refined nose has an understated intensity to it with scents of brioche, yeast lees, citrus and baked bread escaping from the glass. Light toast, cashew and honeyed characters are also present. The beautifully detailed palate shows an air of refinement, eloquently combing richness with freshness and a light satiny feel. Rich baked bread and yeast lees flavours are the drivers with citrus and pear fruits in the background along with cashew, light dried honey and faint toast. Dry chalk tinged finish with crisp mouth watering  acidity leading into a very long, finely textured aftertaste that possesses great poise and balance. A superb Grande Annee that showcases the finesse of the vintage.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 12%

Other Reviews…..
Disgorged in July 2019, Bollinger's 2012 Brut La Grande Année is showing well, offering up an incipiently complex bouquet of crisp yellow orchard fruit, fresh peach, orange oil, toasted walnuts and dried apricot that's still quite reserved with less than a year on cork. Full-bodied, deep and muscular, the 2012 is blockier and broader-shouldered than its 2008 predecessor, with a weightier and even more concentrated palate built around a bright spine of acidity, concluding with a chalky finish that carries appreciably dry extract. This isn't quite as elegant as the exquisite 2008, but it is a superb effort and obviously built to age. Drink 2024-2050.
95 points
William Kelley – Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate

The 2012 Grande Année is vibrant and wonderfully nuanced. Citrus peel, orchard fruit, brioche, dried flowers and chamomile are all finely knit in a Grand Année built on energy and persistence more than size. Readers will find a restrained Grand Année in 2012. There is plenty of the textural richness that is such a signature of the house style, but I am also struck by the wine's freshness. Best of all, the 2012 will drink well right out of the gate. It is quite expressive today, even in the early going. Drink 2020-2030.
94 points
Antonio Galloni – Vinous

This goes from zero to 60 right out of the gate, with an intense spine of acidity driving tightly meshed flavors of crushed black currant, ground coffee, candied grapefruit peel and toasted almond. The profile expands on the palate, carried by the fine, raw silk–like mousse. Richly aromatic and expressive from start to lasting, spiced finish. Disgorged July 2019. Drink now through 2037. 
97 points
Wine Spectator