Bollinger stands as one of the most distinguished Champagne houses. However, it is often overlooked that Lily Bollinger was among the pioneering "Champagne widows," a group of remarkable women who assumed control of their renowned estates following the premature deaths of their husbands, akin to Madame Clicquot. Lily, a visionary of her era, championed the production of late-disgorged, extended lees-aged wines, a practice now considered essential and highly sought after for crafting exceptional Champagne. Furthermore, she introduced the world to Champagne crafted from some of the region's last ungrafted vines. Yet, her legacy, and that of this esteemed house, encompasses far greater achievements.

Established in 1829, Bollinger is a renowned Pinot Noir house with vineyards spanning nearly 400 acres in Champagne's premier Pinot villages, including Aÿ, Verzenay, Avenay, and Louvois. Uniquely, over two-thirds of the fruit for their cuvées comes from their own Grand Cru and Premier Cru vineyards, with two plots, Clos Saint Jacques and Chaudes Terres, surviving the phylloxera epidemic. Bollinger's traditional winemaking emphasizes barrel fermentation and utilizes a full-time cooper, contributing to the distinctive richness of their wines. Their commitment to quality is further demonstrated by extensive hand riddling for their most esteemed cuvées.

La Grande Année, one of the house’s tête de cuvées, is exclusively produced in exceptional vintages, with 2012 representing a particularly distinguished year. Characterized by warm and dry conditions, the 2012 vintage yielded fruit of remarkable balance and intensity, establishing it as one of the most favorable growing seasons in recent memory. This bottling comprises 65% Pinot Noir sourced predominantly from Verzenay and Aÿ, and 35% Chardonnay from Le Mesnil-sur-Oger and Oiry. A distinctive practice in Champagne, the wine is consistently vinified in oak barrels and undergoes meticulous hand riddling, followed by over six years of aging on its lees.

Upon opening, this Champagne presents an ethereal aromatic profile, revealing notes of black currant, hazelnut, yellow peach, orange oil, and white flowers. The palate is complex and powerful, featuring juicy orchard fruits, cherries, coffee, and freshly baked brioche, alongside delicate tones of fino sherry and dried apricot. This exceptional bottling offers a magnificent means of celebrating any special occasion and represents a profoundly valuable addition to any collection. You simply must get your hands on this highly sought-after Champagne… it will be a decision that greatly rewards you!