Bollinger La Grande Année 2014 (75cl, 12%)

A vintage Champagne from the house of Bollinger, bottled at 12% ABV. Founded in 1829 in Aÿ, at the heart of Champagne's Montagne de Reims. The 2014 release blends 61% Pinot Noir and 39% Chardonnay from 19 crus, with fruit primarily from Aÿ and Verzenay for Pinot Noir and Chouilly and Oiry for Chardonnay. Fermentation takes place in seasoned oak barrels about 20 years old, and secondary fermentation is sealed under natural cork, with each bottle hand-riddled and hand-disgorged. The nose opens with crisp yellow orchard fruit and confit citrus, then frangipane, toasted brioche and roasted hazelnut, with dried white flowers, walnut and mineral iodine. The palate has fine creamy mousse, glazed tangerine, lemon custard and crème de cassis, tightening into saline minerality, salty buttery streusel, ground coffee and pickled ginger. The finish is long, with chalky minerality, citrus zest, toasted bread and lemon curd.