Richard Brierley, Head of Fine Wines at Vanquish Wine Ltd

Bollinger, La Grande Année 2002 (Brut)

60% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay - 100% fermented in old oak barrels.

A rich almost rose-gold core. Medium sized perles in the mousse. The nose is one of botrytis, almond kernels with an over-layer of dried fruits, tart plums and freshly-cut rhubarb. In the mouth a powerful pink-grapefruit attack, weighty and Pinot Noir dominant on the mid-palate. The finish is long and complex, with a praline nuttiness, burnt sugar. (from the botrytis?) Over all the wine is extremely vinous, a characteristic I often associate with Bollinger.

If you like Bollinger, you'll love this most recent release. If you love the 02 vintage, this is Bollinger's exceptional expression of an incredible vintage.

I would give this wine a few years, but at this price - it's a steal!

February 2011

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