Bollinger tasting

Bollinger was established in 1829 and started as Renaudin-Bollinger but Renaudin died childless. Bollinger makes 0,8% of the total Champagne production. Own about 60% of the vineyard area needed for the production. Pinot Noir the most important grape. Exclusively in Marne District. 85% Grand Cru and Premier Cru vineyards. First fermentation in small old (at least five years) barrels, partly for Special Cuvée and Rosé, 100% for vintage. 

2009 Bollinger La Côte aux Enfants:

(Magnum) Ruby. Strawberries, some spices, slightly herbal nose. Ever so slightly mineral. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fairly fruity, a bit rough on the edges, wood tannins a bit up front, not the most refined. Good length. 87

Bollinger Rosé NV:

(Magnum) Pale salmon, tiny bubbles. Touch of yeast and apply fruit with a hint of strawberries on top. Ever so slightly floral. Fresh acidity, elegant mousse, lighter style, very elegant, a bit light on its feet, good length. 88

2002 Bollinger La Grande Année Rosé:

Salmon gold colour, tiny bubbles. Apples, yeast, minerals, chalky notes, very elegant nose, layered and refined. Bakery. Fresh acidity, elegant mousse, lovely balance and texture, apples and minerals palate, long finish. Almost a touch smoky. Almost creamy feel playing against the acidity. Really long actually. 96

2004 Bollinger La Grande Année Rosé:

Salmon colour, tiny bubbles. Elegant and more rainy morning fresh minerals, touch of nuts and overripe apples. Nuanced and elegant nose. Fresh acidity, elegant mousse, fruity, lovely balance, elegant, lacks some nuances and refinement next to the 04, also shorter, but rounder. Long. 94

2004 Bollinger La Grande Année:

Pale straw yellow, tiny bubbles. Very Transparant Blanche apples nose, some yeast and minerals below. Fresh acidity, elegant mousse, quite lively, narrower palate than nose, elegant texture, long. 93

1999 Bollinger RD:

Deg 2010 (Magnum) Pale straw yellow, tiny bubbles. Apples, minerals, elegant, nuanced, cool feel, somewhat tight nose. Fresh acidity, elegant mousse, leaner and closed now, elegant, I would guess that with enough air, it will open like the 99 Dom Perignon. Long and delicate finish. 93

1996 Bollinger RD:

Deg 2009. (Magnum) Towards lemon yellow, tiny bubbles. Minerals, apples, yeast, more intense nose. Layered and a slight ripe top note. Fresh acidity, elegant mousse, fruity and mineraly, elegant, refreshing and nuanced, layered and complex. Long. 95