| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Champagne |
| Colour | Rosé |
| Type | Sparkling |
Disgorged with eight grams per liter dosage, Bollinger's 2012 Brut La Grande Année Rosé is showing beautifully, wafting from the glass with aromas of raspberries, plums, orange rind, walnuts and fresh bread that only hint of the complexity to come. Full-bodied, broad and vinous, with fine depth at the core, a pinpoint mousse and racy acids, it concludes with a long and perfumed finish. The blend includes 5% red wine exclusively from Bollinger's La Côte Aux Enfants vineyard—which imparts delicate phenolic grip.
The addition of the red wine is evident as this is more deeply hued than the NV Rosé. Ripe aromas of cherry, strawberry, rose petal, citrus and yeast give way to impressively voluminous and rich flavors that possess excellent mid-palate concentration. Like the 2012 Grande Année, this generously proportioned effort is not super-crisp, but everything is in perfect harmony and I am very impressed, indeed the word terrific comes to mind.
At this point of youthfulness the pink colour is rather rich and bright. Lovely clean and fruit-forward nose with fresh red berry aromas mixing with spice and orange notes. Quite shyly evolved with much more to surface on the complexity front. Today there is attractive exuberant fruitiness and perfect creamy freshness. Promising palate with power and persistence where an overall harmony enhances the feeling of sophistication.
Red berries and cherry blossom combine with bready, yeasty notes on the nose. A rich ‘Burgundian’ Pinot intensity. The palate is thick, voluminous and exotic but balanced with vibrant acidity. Very fresh with a mix of red and white fruit alongside classic champagne notes of yeast and biscuit. The finish is long and complex and enduring. Delicious to drink already but with the structure and power to develop for many years yet.
Still dark and vinous, but with a leaner profile; sinewy and silky at the same time; a paradox of power and latent potential, whole bunches employed in the red wine to great effect. There has been a somewhat idiosyncratic set of leitmotifs running down the years, scents from both the orange grove and the tea plantation key among them. Buttressing red fruit and soft tannins thereafter underwrite both a sensual appeal and a gastronomic potential, the powerful legacy from oak aging resilient and supremely versatile. Let us not overlook, however, that this is a tale of elegance and balance above all, harmonious precursors both to a long life and happiness to all those who encounter her.
