1996 BOLLINGER Grande Année 1996

 Everything about this wine is superlative, now more than ever. Well, one can love more than one wine at a time! Otherwise I'd be committing treason on the '88 pitcher. After this wine you can stop drinking. There is nothing better. The bouquet has become even more complex? Pastries, candied fruits, dried apricots, a hint of kiwi and carom, herbs, flowers? Absolute class beckons in the mouth («de la grâce», the French would say, Grazie) a perlage of ultimate finesse, but also a juiciness and unbelievable Dynamism, everything refined and lifted... Enchanting, delightful, brilliant.

Creamy, evolved flattering nose. Sweet and rich and lemon cream palate – not especially champagne-like in fact. Clean, brisk finish. Good, racy finish.

A full-bodied, biscuity Bollinger that is at its peak now. The 1996 has taken a long time to come around but the vintage is now showing its full expression: white flowers, toasted nuts and biscuits. Generous and full a classic Bollinger.

Blockbuster aromas of honey and toast, ripe apples and citrus are complex from the first pour and develop even more complexity with air, turning meatier and more savory. Creamy and smooth in the mouth, with cascading flavors of buttered nuts and lush fruit, all balanced by great acidity and length.

Massively herbal nose, filled with figgy richness and full, fat, toasty aromas. Gorgeous quality of fruit floods over the palate, with fabulous fruit sweetness. Quite rich and rolling in the mouth, there is huge pear and ogen melon fruit ripeness but razor-sharp lemon acidity too. Endlessly long, this is a superb Champagne.