Bollinger La Grande Annee, Champagne, 2015, 75cl

The 2015 Brut La Grande Année was disgorged last year with eight grams per liter dosage. The wine has turned out beautifully, exhibiting a more muscular, old-school Bollinger profile in contrast to the unusually racy, fine-boned 2014 that preceded it. Wafting from the glass with notes of pear, orange oil and white flowers mingled with notions of mocha, toasted hazelnuts and fino sherry, it's medium to full-bodied, layered and textural, with a dense core of fruit framed by chalky structuring extract, concluding with a long, sapid finish.- William Kelley, Wine Advocate

A complex bouquet with aromas of plum, fig, violet, sweet spices such as vanilla and liquorice as well as undergrowth, mushrooms and moss. Full-bodied and mouth-filling on the palate, supported by a delicate mousse. A good balance between acidity and dosage, with a finish of savoury, yeasty roasted flavors of baked rye bread, candied kumquat and good length. (RE).

Enticing, fragrant aromas of toast, lemon zest and an earthy-smoky nuance lead to a palate of subtle Bosc-pear, mango, papaya, even pineapple flavors. Lifted by fresh acidity on the medium-bodied palate, the wine keeps unfolding in toasted walnuts, honey and a dash of bitter marmalade. It's mouth-filling, alive with acidity and full of finesse. Drink or hold.