2000 Bollinger, Grande Année

The Millennium Bollinger is a very impressive effort indeed. The 2000 vintage in Champagne was not dissimilar to 1999, its quality only undermined by dramatic mid-summer hail, its structure leaning towards  the relatively low acidity and broad approachable fruit character of its forebear. Overall it's looking better than 1999, with wines of more energy and concentration evidenced. Good but not great as a vintage. The Bollinger 2000, however, belongs firmly in the great  category. It is stylistically similar to the 1999 except better.

 

The fermentation in old wood lends characteristic vanillin notes, the 63% Pinot Noir adding a savoury backdrop, the balance of Chardonnay a citric freshness. The palate is very clean and very pure; its weight worn lightly with an almost silky elegance. 6 years of lees ageing lends biscuity complexity and the finish is accompanied by gentle spice and hazelnut. A very complete wine, rich and powerful as one would expect but with astonishing finesse.