2015 Champagne Bollinger La Grande Année Brut
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| Type of Wine | White |
|---|---|
| Country | France |
| Region | |
| Appellation | Champagne |
| Winery | |
| Vintage | 2015 |
| Grape | |
| Content (Alc) | 0.75 ltr (12%) |
| Drink window | 2026 - 2040 |
| Available as of | Feb 28, 2026 |
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Description
Champagne Bollinger Winery
Champagne Bollinger is one of the great, classic Champagne houses and is known for a style characterized by structure, maturity, and precision. The house uses a high percentage of Pinot Noir, long lees aging, and oak fermentation for some of its wines. La Grande Année is produced exclusively in exceptional vintages and reflects the house's vision of balance, maturity, and aging potential.
More information about this winery can be found under the Winery tab.
Region, climate and location
The grapes for La Grande Année 2015 come primarily from Grand Cru and Premier Cru vineyards in Champagne, with a strong focus on Pinot Noir from vineyards including Verzenay and Aÿ. The 2015 vintage was characterized by a warm growing season, which challenged the balance between sugar and phenolic ripeness. By deliberately harvesting later, optimal ripeness was achieved without greenish notes.
The Grande Année inside the house
La Grande Année is Bollinger's iconic vintage Champagne and is released only when the vintage warrants it. The wine is made with special attention to structure and aging, both during vinification and in the cellars. Within the range, La Grande Année represents the house's most classic and age-oriented style.
Vineyards
The selected plots are primarily situated on chalky soils that contribute to tension and length. Pinot Noir plays a dominant role, providing strength and structure, while Chardonnay from cooler plots adds freshness and precision. The blend varies by vintage, tailored to the conditions of the harvest year.
Grape varieties and composition
The 2015 blend consists of 60 percent Pinot Noir and 40 percent Chardonnay. This is a higher proportion of Chardonnay than Bollinger typically uses, driven by the desire to bring extra freshness and balance to the warm vintage. Pinot Noir provides structure and depth, while Chardonnay offers refinement and tension.
Harvest, vinification and maturation
The grapes were harvested later to achieve full ripeness. Vinification took place partly in small oak barrels, which contributes to the texture and complexity. After the second fermentation, the wine matured extensively on lees in the house cellars. The dosage is 8 grams per liter. The wine was disgorged in May 2023.
Color, smell and taste
The wine displays a bright golden yellow color with a fine, lively mousse. The aroma develops a layered palette of toast, dried citrus, tangerine peel, and herbal notes such as sage and menthol. With aeration, riper nuances of pear, tropical fruit, and a light smokiness emerge. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and textured, with distinct depth and concentration. The fresh acidity keeps the whole lively and provides balance. The palate builds with notes of nuts, honey, and a subtle bitterness that lends length and complexity. The finish is long, refined, and harmonious.
Development and drinking window
La Grande Année 2015 already combines aromatic richness with structure, but is clearly designed for further aging. Professional reviews suggest a drinking window of 2028 to 2040, with potential for further development beyond that under good storage conditions.
Summary of professional reviews
Antonio Galloni of Vinous awarded the wine 96 points, highlighting its rich texture, aromatic complexity, and distinct style difference compared to the more rigid 2014 vintage. Jim Gordon of James Suckling also awarded the wine 96 points, praising its refinement, freshness, and layered flavor development, with notes of toast, citrus, nuts, and honey. Both reviewers consider the wine an intriguing and age-appropriate interpretation of the warm vintage.
The full review texts can be found in the Professional Reviews tab.
If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you this information when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pick up" at the checkout page. We're located in Dordrecht, right next to the A16 motorway, with ample parking. Click here for our address.
You can read the full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others. Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grand Cru customers.
Specifications
| Available as of | Feb 28, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Type of Wine | White |
| Country | France |
| Region | Champagne |
| Appellation | Champagne |
| Icons | Icon France |
| Winery | Bollinger |
| Grape | Pinot Noir |
| Biological certified | No |
| Natural wine | No |
| Vegan | No |
| Vintage | 2015 |
| Drinking as of | 2026 |
| Drinking till | 2040 |
| Alcohol % | 12 |
| Alcohol free/low | No |
| Content | 0.75 ltr |
| Oak aging | Yes |
| Sparkling | Yes |
| Dessert wine | No |
| Closure | Cork |
| Promotion | En Primeur |
| Parker rating | 95 |
| James Suckling rating | 96 |
| Vinous rating | 96 |
| Tasting Profiles | Complex, Droog, Fris, Mineraal, Strak, Wit fruit |
| Drink moments | Cadeau!, Iets te vieren, Indruk maken, Lekker luxe, Romantisch |
| Sommy Pairing Beschrijving | Deze 2015 Champagne Bollinger La Grande Année Brut biedt een prachtige balans tussen rijpe citrus, toastachtige nuances en subtiele kruidigheid, met een volle, rijke textuur en een lange, verfijnde afdronk. De frisse zuren en de complexe aroma’s maken het een wijn die zowel kracht als finesse uitstraalt. Door zijn elegante structuur past deze champagne perfect bij schelp- en schaaldieren, vooral wanneer ze bereid zijn met lichte saus of in de natuur geserveerd, zoals oesters of coquilles. Een bereiding met een lichte gratin of een subtiele vinaigrette versterkt de harmonie, terwijl de bubbels en de rijpe tonen deze gerechten extra laten stralen. De wijn brengt een feestelijke touch aan elke gelegenheid en is uitermate geschikt voor een speciale borrel of een feestelijk diner. |
Professional Reviews
Parker
The Wine Advocate
RP 95
Reviewed by:
William Kelley
Release Price:
NA
Drink Date:
2021 - 2045
Offering up complex aromas of crisp yellow orchard fruit, confit citrus, frangipane, walnuts, dried white flowers and subtle hints of iodine, Bollinger's 2014 Brut La Grande Année is medium to full-bodied, pillowy and vinous, with an elegantly fleshy core of fruit that's underpinned by racy acids and complemented by a pretty pinpoint mousse. Concluding with a long, chalky finish, this is a charming but precise Grande Année that's more giving and demonstrative than its immediate predecessor, the 2012, but which attains a very similar level of quality in a more challenging vintage—testimony to the serious viticulture that underpins Bollinger's contemporary excellence.
In the 2014 vintage, Bollinger has once again produced both a Grande Année and Grande Année Rosé. The fruit of a cooler, rather rainy season punctuated by a sunny month of June, in 2014 Bollinger opted to pick late but quickly, harvesting all of their fruit in a mere 10 days; and the house's blends for Grande Année favored the crus of Verzy and Verzenay, and an unusually high proportion of Chardonnay (at 39%). The result is two very elegant, precise, giving Champagnes, with all the mid-palate intensity one expects from Bollinger but defined more by purity and precision than by power. Charming and expressive out of the gates, they're also built to age with grace. Bollinger's Denis Brunner describes the 2014 vintage as one of pure "classicism" for the house, after the more "baroque" 2012s, and that's a very concise summation of the distinctions readers will find in the glass, which I'm at a loss to better. But I'll add that the quality of these 2014s is indicative of the serious agronomy that distinguishes Bollinger's vineyards as, along with Roederer's, the best maintained of any big houses' in the region. Both wines reviewed here come warmly recommended.
Published: Mar 07, 2022
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
James Suckling
Score
96
Avg Price (ex-tax)
$ 191
Bollinger Champagne La Grande Année Brut 2015
Friday, Mar 22, 2024
Color
Sparkling
Country
France
Region
Champagne
Vintage
2015
Download Shelftalker
Enticing, fragrant aromas of toast, lemon zest and an earthy-smoky nuance lead to a palate of subtle Bosc-pear, mango, papaya, even pineapple flavors. Lifted by fresh acidity on the medium-bodied palate, the wine keeps unfolding in toasted walnuts, honey and a dash of bitter marmalade. It’s mouth-filling, alive with acidity and full of finesse. Drink or hold.
Jim Gordon
Executive Editor
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
Vinous
96
Drinking Window
2028 - 2040
From: Champagne: The 2024 Spring Preview and Fall Additions (Dec 2024)
Bollinger's 2015 Brut Grand Année is an intriguing wine in that is clearly reflects the decision to pick on the later side in order to avoid vegetal notes derived from the mismatch of alcoholic and phenolic ripeness. "Balance was hard to achieve in 2015," Chef de Cave Denis Bunner notes. "At 10% in sugar, the fruit was simply not ripe. We had to wait to reach the optimal window of ripeness." Bunner also opted to increase the Chardonnay, so the blend is 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay, as opposed to the more typical 70/30 blend, with more Verzenay than Aÿ in the Pinots. Dried citrus peel, sage, menthol, sage, tangerine peel and spice build with some coaxing. Light tropical overtones develop with aeration. There's real density and textural richness here. This will be a fascinating vintage to follow. Stylistically, it is the complete opposite from the much more linear 2014 that precedes it. Dosage is 8 grams per liter. Disgorged: May 2023.
- By Antonio Galloni on March 2024
Managing Director Charles-Armand de Belenet and Chef de Caves Denis Bunner have brought a renewed sense of energy at Bollinger that is palpable. Bollinger is among the maisons that are giving greater focus to vineyards and farming these days, as mentioned in the introduction to this report. The 2015 Grand Année and Grand Année Rosé are the latest releases, but there is plenty more in store for the near future.
I was delighted when one of our private clients reached out to schedule this celebratory dinner for a small group of friends and co-workers. Our guests took care of the arrangements with Wheeler Farms, and I chose several of my favorite wines, presented in thematic flights. Executive Chef Tom Harder, whom I had first met years ago at Mustard’s prepared a fabulous meal. The hospitality team led by Philip O’Conor and Patrick Memmott took care of every detail of service with the same precision. It was a fabulous night of wine, food and conviviality.
98
Drinking Window
2024 - 2044
From: Cellar Favorite: Bollinger: 2022 New Releases (Mar 2022)
The 2014 La Grande Année is stunning. In fact, it is one of the best recent editions I can remember tasting. What comes through most is the wine’s sizzling energy and tension, qualities that aren’t often associated with Bollinger, where the Champagnes tend to show more breadth and volume. In 2014, readers will find a Grande Année built on linear intensity and drive.
The 2014 is a blend taken from 19 villages, 61% Pinot Noir and 39% Chardonnay instead of the more typical 70/30 mix. For the second time in two decades (the first was 2007), Verzenay takes the lead in the Pinots over Aÿ, more or less an inverse from the norm. Verzenay, a north-facing village in the Montagne de Reims that saw less rain than Aÿ and most of the Vallée de la Marne, yields Pinots of energy more than volume. That, married with Chardonnays mostly from the Côtes des Blancs (predominantly Chouilly, Vertus, Oiry and Cramant), results in a truly magical Grande Année that will delight Champagne fans for several decades. I can’t recommend the 2014 highly enough. It’s a total knock-out. Disgorged: April, 2021. Dosage: 8 grams per liter.
- By Antonio Galloni on March 2022
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
Exclusive Content
Sign in to unlock professional wine reviews from world-renowned critics
Wijnhuis
Since its foundation in 1829, the Champagne house Bollinger is located in Ay and family owned. The winery has 151 hectares of vineyards, mainly in Grand and Premier Cru areas. The uniqueness of these famous sparkling wines lies in the high standards of ethics and quality that the family has set for itself. These written principles dictate, for example, that the vinification of all wine takes place on the winery itself and is stored there on oak.
Both these high quality standards and the practice practiced to assemble only the best vintages from the best cultivation areas ensure the constant top quality of this Champagne, which Daniel Graig also prefers as a 007 agent.
The high quality requirements start at Bollinger in the vineyard. There is actually no second producer who selects the grapes so carefully at harvest, selects only the ripest grapes and consequently reduces the yield as Bollinger. The fact that people also know the literal side of champagne in this house is shown by the famous quote from Madame Bollinger, who answered the question when she prefers to drink champagne: “I drink champagne, when I am happy and when I am sad. I often drink it when I am alone; and if I have company, it should not be missed. When I'm not hungry I get hungry and when I'm hungry I let it taste good. Furthermore, I don't touch it unless I'm thirsty. ”
Food
Spijs
Deze 2015 Champagne Bollinger La Grande Année Brut biedt een prachtige balans tussen rijpe citrus, toastachtige nuances en subtiele kruidigheid, met een volle, rijke textuur en een lange, verfijnde afdronk. De frisse zuren en de complexe aroma’s maken het een wijn die zowel kracht als finesse uitstraalt. Door zijn elegante structuur past deze champagne perfect bij schelp- en schaaldieren, vooral wanneer ze bereid zijn met lichte saus of in de natuur geserveerd, zoals oesters of coquilles. Een bereiding met een lichte gratin of een subtiele vinaigrette versterkt de harmonie, terwijl de bubbels en de rijpe tonen deze gerechten extra laten stralen. De wijn brengt een feestelijke touch aan elke gelegenheid en is uitermate geschikt voor een speciale borrel of een feestelijk diner.
Klik op een categorie om heerlijke recepten te ontdekken die perfect combineren met deze wijn.
Heeft u al een gerecht in gedachte?
Laat onze AI-sommelier u helpen met het vinden van de ideale wijn bij uw gerecht
Start de Sommy Wijnadvies ToolChampagne Bollinger Winery
Champagne Bollinger is one of the great, classic Champagne houses and is known for a style characterized by structure, maturity, and precision. The house uses a high percentage of Pinot Noir, long lees aging, and oak fermentation for some of its wines. La Grande Année is produced exclusively in exceptional vintages and reflects the house's vision of balance, maturity, and aging potential.
More information about this winery can be found under the Winery tab.
Region, climate and location
The grapes for La Grande Année 2015 come primarily from Grand Cru and Premier Cru vineyards in Champagne, with a strong focus on Pinot Noir from vineyards including Verzenay and Aÿ. The 2015 vintage was characterized by a warm growing season, which challenged the balance between sugar and phenolic ripeness. By deliberately harvesting later, optimal ripeness was achieved without greenish notes.
The Grande Année inside the house
La Grande Année is Bollinger's iconic vintage Champagne and is released only when the vintage warrants it. The wine is made with special attention to structure and aging, both during vinification and in the cellars. Within the range, La Grande Année represents the house's most classic and age-oriented style.
Vineyards
The selected plots are primarily situated on chalky soils that contribute to tension and length. Pinot Noir plays a dominant role, providing strength and structure, while Chardonnay from cooler plots adds freshness and precision. The blend varies by vintage, tailored to the conditions of the harvest year.
Grape varieties and composition
The 2015 blend consists of 60 percent Pinot Noir and 40 percent Chardonnay. This is a higher proportion of Chardonnay than Bollinger typically uses, driven by the desire to bring extra freshness and balance to the warm vintage. Pinot Noir provides structure and depth, while Chardonnay offers refinement and tension.
Harvest, vinification and maturation
The grapes were harvested later to achieve full ripeness. Vinification took place partly in small oak barrels, which contributes to the texture and complexity. After the second fermentation, the wine matured extensively on lees in the house cellars. The dosage is 8 grams per liter. The wine was disgorged in May 2023.
Color, smell and taste
The wine displays a bright golden yellow color with a fine, lively mousse. The aroma develops a layered palette of toast, dried citrus, tangerine peel, and herbal notes such as sage and menthol. With aeration, riper nuances of pear, tropical fruit, and a light smokiness emerge. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and textured, with distinct depth and concentration. The fresh acidity keeps the whole lively and provides balance. The palate builds with notes of nuts, honey, and a subtle bitterness that lends length and complexity. The finish is long, refined, and harmonious.
Development and drinking window
La Grande Année 2015 already combines aromatic richness with structure, but is clearly designed for further aging. Professional reviews suggest a drinking window of 2028 to 2040, with potential for further development beyond that under good storage conditions.
Summary of professional reviews
Antonio Galloni of Vinous awarded the wine 96 points, highlighting its rich texture, aromatic complexity, and distinct style difference compared to the more rigid 2014 vintage. Jim Gordon of James Suckling also awarded the wine 96 points, praising its refinement, freshness, and layered flavor development, with notes of toast, citrus, nuts, and honey. Both reviewers consider the wine an intriguing and age-appropriate interpretation of the warm vintage.
The full review texts can be found in the Professional Reviews tab.
If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you this information when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pick up" at the checkout page. We're located in Dordrecht, right next to the A16 motorway, with ample parking. Click here for our address.
You can read the full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others. Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grand Cru customers.
| Available as of | Feb 28, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Type of Wine | White |
| Country | France |
| Region | Champagne |
| Appellation | Champagne |
| Icons | Icon France |
| Winery | Bollinger |
| Grape | Pinot Noir |
| Biological certified | No |
| Natural wine | No |
| Vegan | No |
| Vintage | 2015 |
| Drinking as of | 2026 |
| Drinking till | 2040 |
| Alcohol % | 12 |
| Alcohol free/low | No |
| Content | 0.75 ltr |
| Oak aging | Yes |
| Sparkling | Yes |
| Dessert wine | No |
| Closure | Cork |
| Promotion | En Primeur |
| Parker rating | 95 |
| James Suckling rating | 96 |
| Vinous rating | 96 |
| Tasting Profiles | Complex, Droog, Fris, Mineraal, Strak, Wit fruit |
| Drink moments | Cadeau!, Iets te vieren, Indruk maken, Lekker luxe, Romantisch |
| Sommy Pairing Beschrijving | Deze 2015 Champagne Bollinger La Grande Année Brut biedt een prachtige balans tussen rijpe citrus, toastachtige nuances en subtiele kruidigheid, met een volle, rijke textuur en een lange, verfijnde afdronk. De frisse zuren en de complexe aroma’s maken het een wijn die zowel kracht als finesse uitstraalt. Door zijn elegante structuur past deze champagne perfect bij schelp- en schaaldieren, vooral wanneer ze bereid zijn met lichte saus of in de natuur geserveerd, zoals oesters of coquilles. Een bereiding met een lichte gratin of een subtiele vinaigrette versterkt de harmonie, terwijl de bubbels en de rijpe tonen deze gerechten extra laten stralen. De wijn brengt een feestelijke touch aan elke gelegenheid en is uitermate geschikt voor een speciale borrel of een feestelijk diner. |
Parker
The Wine Advocate
RP 95
Reviewed by:
William Kelley
Release Price:
NA
Drink Date:
2021 - 2045
Offering up complex aromas of crisp yellow orchard fruit, confit citrus, frangipane, walnuts, dried white flowers and subtle hints of iodine, Bollinger's 2014 Brut La Grande Année is medium to full-bodied, pillowy and vinous, with an elegantly fleshy core of fruit that's underpinned by racy acids and complemented by a pretty pinpoint mousse. Concluding with a long, chalky finish, this is a charming but precise Grande Année that's more giving and demonstrative than its immediate predecessor, the 2012, but which attains a very similar level of quality in a more challenging vintage—testimony to the serious viticulture that underpins Bollinger's contemporary excellence.
In the 2014 vintage, Bollinger has once again produced both a Grande Année and Grande Année Rosé. The fruit of a cooler, rather rainy season punctuated by a sunny month of June, in 2014 Bollinger opted to pick late but quickly, harvesting all of their fruit in a mere 10 days; and the house's blends for Grande Année favored the crus of Verzy and Verzenay, and an unusually high proportion of Chardonnay (at 39%). The result is two very elegant, precise, giving Champagnes, with all the mid-palate intensity one expects from Bollinger but defined more by purity and precision than by power. Charming and expressive out of the gates, they're also built to age with grace. Bollinger's Denis Brunner describes the 2014 vintage as one of pure "classicism" for the house, after the more "baroque" 2012s, and that's a very concise summation of the distinctions readers will find in the glass, which I'm at a loss to better. But I'll add that the quality of these 2014s is indicative of the serious agronomy that distinguishes Bollinger's vineyards as, along with Roederer's, the best maintained of any big houses' in the region. Both wines reviewed here come warmly recommended.
Published: Mar 07, 2022
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
James Suckling
Score
96
Avg Price (ex-tax)
$ 191
Bollinger Champagne La Grande Année Brut 2015
Friday, Mar 22, 2024
Color
Sparkling
Country
France
Region
Champagne
Vintage
2015
Download Shelftalker
Enticing, fragrant aromas of toast, lemon zest and an earthy-smoky nuance lead to a palate of subtle Bosc-pear, mango, papaya, even pineapple flavors. Lifted by fresh acidity on the medium-bodied palate, the wine keeps unfolding in toasted walnuts, honey and a dash of bitter marmalade. It’s mouth-filling, alive with acidity and full of finesse. Drink or hold.
Jim Gordon
Executive Editor
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
Vinous
96
Drinking Window
2028 - 2040
From: Champagne: The 2024 Spring Preview and Fall Additions (Dec 2024)
Bollinger's 2015 Brut Grand Année is an intriguing wine in that is clearly reflects the decision to pick on the later side in order to avoid vegetal notes derived from the mismatch of alcoholic and phenolic ripeness. "Balance was hard to achieve in 2015," Chef de Cave Denis Bunner notes. "At 10% in sugar, the fruit was simply not ripe. We had to wait to reach the optimal window of ripeness." Bunner also opted to increase the Chardonnay, so the blend is 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay, as opposed to the more typical 70/30 blend, with more Verzenay than Aÿ in the Pinots. Dried citrus peel, sage, menthol, sage, tangerine peel and spice build with some coaxing. Light tropical overtones develop with aeration. There's real density and textural richness here. This will be a fascinating vintage to follow. Stylistically, it is the complete opposite from the much more linear 2014 that precedes it. Dosage is 8 grams per liter. Disgorged: May 2023.
- By Antonio Galloni on March 2024
Managing Director Charles-Armand de Belenet and Chef de Caves Denis Bunner have brought a renewed sense of energy at Bollinger that is palpable. Bollinger is among the maisons that are giving greater focus to vineyards and farming these days, as mentioned in the introduction to this report. The 2015 Grand Année and Grand Année Rosé are the latest releases, but there is plenty more in store for the near future.
I was delighted when one of our private clients reached out to schedule this celebratory dinner for a small group of friends and co-workers. Our guests took care of the arrangements with Wheeler Farms, and I chose several of my favorite wines, presented in thematic flights. Executive Chef Tom Harder, whom I had first met years ago at Mustard’s prepared a fabulous meal. The hospitality team led by Philip O’Conor and Patrick Memmott took care of every detail of service with the same precision. It was a fabulous night of wine, food and conviviality.
98
Drinking Window
2024 - 2044
From: Cellar Favorite: Bollinger: 2022 New Releases (Mar 2022)
The 2014 La Grande Année is stunning. In fact, it is one of the best recent editions I can remember tasting. What comes through most is the wine’s sizzling energy and tension, qualities that aren’t often associated with Bollinger, where the Champagnes tend to show more breadth and volume. In 2014, readers will find a Grande Année built on linear intensity and drive.
The 2014 is a blend taken from 19 villages, 61% Pinot Noir and 39% Chardonnay instead of the more typical 70/30 mix. For the second time in two decades (the first was 2007), Verzenay takes the lead in the Pinots over Aÿ, more or less an inverse from the norm. Verzenay, a north-facing village in the Montagne de Reims that saw less rain than Aÿ and most of the Vallée de la Marne, yields Pinots of energy more than volume. That, married with Chardonnays mostly from the Côtes des Blancs (predominantly Chouilly, Vertus, Oiry and Cramant), results in a truly magical Grande Année that will delight Champagne fans for several decades. I can’t recommend the 2014 highly enough. It’s a total knock-out. Disgorged: April, 2021. Dosage: 8 grams per liter.
- By Antonio Galloni on March 2022
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
Exclusive Content
Sign in to unlock professional wine reviews from world-renowned critics
Since its foundation in 1829, the Champagne house Bollinger is located in Ay and family owned. The winery has 151 hectares of vineyards, mainly in Grand and Premier Cru areas. The uniqueness of these famous sparkling wines lies in the high standards of ethics and quality that the family has set for itself. These written principles dictate, for example, that the vinification of all wine takes place on the winery itself and is stored there on oak.
Both these high quality standards and the practice practiced to assemble only the best vintages from the best cultivation areas ensure the constant top quality of this Champagne, which Daniel Graig also prefers as a 007 agent.
The high quality requirements start at Bollinger in the vineyard. There is actually no second producer who selects the grapes so carefully at harvest, selects only the ripest grapes and consequently reduces the yield as Bollinger. The fact that people also know the literal side of champagne in this house is shown by the famous quote from Madame Bollinger, who answered the question when she prefers to drink champagne: “I drink champagne, when I am happy and when I am sad. I often drink it when I am alone; and if I have company, it should not be missed. When I'm not hungry I get hungry and when I'm hungry I let it taste good. Furthermore, I don't touch it unless I'm thirsty. ”
Spijs
Deze 2015 Champagne Bollinger La Grande Année Brut biedt een prachtige balans tussen rijpe citrus, toastachtige nuances en subtiele kruidigheid, met een volle, rijke textuur en een lange, verfijnde afdronk. De frisse zuren en de complexe aroma’s maken het een wijn die zowel kracht als finesse uitstraalt. Door zijn elegante structuur past deze champagne perfect bij schelp- en schaaldieren, vooral wanneer ze bereid zijn met lichte saus of in de natuur geserveerd, zoals oesters of coquilles. Een bereiding met een lichte gratin of een subtiele vinaigrette versterkt de harmonie, terwijl de bubbels en de rijpe tonen deze gerechten extra laten stralen. De wijn brengt een feestelijke touch aan elke gelegenheid en is uitermate geschikt voor een speciale borrel of een feestelijk diner.
Klik op een categorie om heerlijke recepten te ontdekken die perfect combineren met deze wijn.
Heeft u al een gerecht in gedachte?
Laat onze AI-sommelier u helpen met het vinden van de ideale wijn bij uw gerecht
Start de Sommy Wijnadvies ToolDiscover Wine Trivia
Sign in to unlock fascinating facts about this wine and expand your knowledge.
Sign InDescription
Champagne Bollinger Winery
Champagne Bollinger is one of the great, classic Champagne houses and is known for a style characterized by structure, maturity, and precision. The house uses a high percentage of Pinot Noir, long lees aging, and oak fermentation for some of its wines. La Grande Année is produced exclusively in exceptional vintages and reflects the house's vision of balance, maturity, and aging potential.
More information about this winery can be found under the Winery tab.
Region, climate and location
The grapes for La Grande Année 2015 come primarily from Grand Cru and Premier Cru vineyards in Champagne, with a strong focus on Pinot Noir from vineyards including Verzenay and Aÿ. The 2015 vintage was characterized by a warm growing season, which challenged the balance between sugar and phenolic ripeness. By deliberately harvesting later, optimal ripeness was achieved without greenish notes.
The Grande Année inside the house
La Grande Année is Bollinger's iconic vintage Champagne and is released only when the vintage warrants it. The wine is made with special attention to structure and aging, both during vinification and in the cellars. Within the range, La Grande Année represents the house's most classic and age-oriented style.
Vineyards
The selected plots are primarily situated on chalky soils that contribute to tension and length. Pinot Noir plays a dominant role, providing strength and structure, while Chardonnay from cooler plots adds freshness and precision. The blend varies by vintage, tailored to the conditions of the harvest year.
Grape varieties and composition
The 2015 blend consists of 60 percent Pinot Noir and 40 percent Chardonnay. This is a higher proportion of Chardonnay than Bollinger typically uses, driven by the desire to bring extra freshness and balance to the warm vintage. Pinot Noir provides structure and depth, while Chardonnay offers refinement and tension.
Harvest, vinification and maturation
The grapes were harvested later to achieve full ripeness. Vinification took place partly in small oak barrels, which contributes to the texture and complexity. After the second fermentation, the wine matured extensively on lees in the house cellars. The dosage is 8 grams per liter. The wine was disgorged in May 2023.
Color, smell and taste
The wine displays a bright golden yellow color with a fine, lively mousse. The aroma develops a layered palette of toast, dried citrus, tangerine peel, and herbal notes such as sage and menthol. With aeration, riper nuances of pear, tropical fruit, and a light smokiness emerge. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and textured, with distinct depth and concentration. The fresh acidity keeps the whole lively and provides balance. The palate builds with notes of nuts, honey, and a subtle bitterness that lends length and complexity. The finish is long, refined, and harmonious.
Development and drinking window
La Grande Année 2015 already combines aromatic richness with structure, but is clearly designed for further aging. Professional reviews suggest a drinking window of 2028 to 2040, with potential for further development beyond that under good storage conditions.
Summary of professional reviews
Antonio Galloni of Vinous awarded the wine 96 points, highlighting its rich texture, aromatic complexity, and distinct style difference compared to the more rigid 2014 vintage. Jim Gordon of James Suckling also awarded the wine 96 points, praising its refinement, freshness, and layered flavor development, with notes of toast, citrus, nuts, and honey. Both reviewers consider the wine an intriguing and age-appropriate interpretation of the warm vintage.
The full review texts can be found in the Professional Reviews tab.
If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you this information when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pick up" at the checkout page. We're located in Dordrecht, right next to the A16 motorway, with ample parking. Click here for our address.
You can read the full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others. Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grand Cru customers.
Specifications
| Available as of | Feb 28, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Type of Wine | White |
| Country | France |
| Region | Champagne |
| Appellation | Champagne |
| Icons | Icon France |
| Winery | Bollinger |
| Grape | Pinot Noir |
| Biological certified | No |
| Natural wine | No |
| Vegan | No |
| Vintage | 2015 |
| Drinking as of | 2026 |
| Drinking till | 2040 |
| Alcohol % | 12 |
| Alcohol free/low | No |
| Content | 0.75 ltr |
| Oak aging | Yes |
| Sparkling | Yes |
| Dessert wine | No |
| Closure | Cork |
| Promotion | En Primeur |
| Parker rating | 95 |
| James Suckling rating | 96 |
| Vinous rating | 96 |
| Tasting Profiles | Complex, Droog, Fris, Mineraal, Strak, Wit fruit |
| Drink moments | Cadeau!, Iets te vieren, Indruk maken, Lekker luxe, Romantisch |
| Sommy Pairing Beschrijving | Deze 2015 Champagne Bollinger La Grande Année Brut biedt een prachtige balans tussen rijpe citrus, toastachtige nuances en subtiele kruidigheid, met een volle, rijke textuur en een lange, verfijnde afdronk. De frisse zuren en de complexe aroma’s maken het een wijn die zowel kracht als finesse uitstraalt. Door zijn elegante structuur past deze champagne perfect bij schelp- en schaaldieren, vooral wanneer ze bereid zijn met lichte saus of in de natuur geserveerd, zoals oesters of coquilles. Een bereiding met een lichte gratin of een subtiele vinaigrette versterkt de harmonie, terwijl de bubbels en de rijpe tonen deze gerechten extra laten stralen. De wijn brengt een feestelijke touch aan elke gelegenheid en is uitermate geschikt voor een speciale borrel of een feestelijk diner. |
Professional Reviews
Parker
The Wine Advocate
RP 95
Reviewed by:
William Kelley
Release Price:
NA
Drink Date:
2021 - 2045
Offering up complex aromas of crisp yellow orchard fruit, confit citrus, frangipane, walnuts, dried white flowers and subtle hints of iodine, Bollinger's 2014 Brut La Grande Année is medium to full-bodied, pillowy and vinous, with an elegantly fleshy core of fruit that's underpinned by racy acids and complemented by a pretty pinpoint mousse. Concluding with a long, chalky finish, this is a charming but precise Grande Année that's more giving and demonstrative than its immediate predecessor, the 2012, but which attains a very similar level of quality in a more challenging vintage—testimony to the serious viticulture that underpins Bollinger's contemporary excellence.
In the 2014 vintage, Bollinger has once again produced both a Grande Année and Grande Année Rosé. The fruit of a cooler, rather rainy season punctuated by a sunny month of June, in 2014 Bollinger opted to pick late but quickly, harvesting all of their fruit in a mere 10 days; and the house's blends for Grande Année favored the crus of Verzy and Verzenay, and an unusually high proportion of Chardonnay (at 39%). The result is two very elegant, precise, giving Champagnes, with all the mid-palate intensity one expects from Bollinger but defined more by purity and precision than by power. Charming and expressive out of the gates, they're also built to age with grace. Bollinger's Denis Brunner describes the 2014 vintage as one of pure "classicism" for the house, after the more "baroque" 2012s, and that's a very concise summation of the distinctions readers will find in the glass, which I'm at a loss to better. But I'll add that the quality of these 2014s is indicative of the serious agronomy that distinguishes Bollinger's vineyards as, along with Roederer's, the best maintained of any big houses' in the region. Both wines reviewed here come warmly recommended.
Published: Mar 07, 2022
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James Suckling
Score
96
Avg Price (ex-tax)
$ 191
Bollinger Champagne La Grande Année Brut 2015
Friday, Mar 22, 2024
Color
Sparkling
Country
France
Region
Champagne
Vintage
2015
Download Shelftalker
Enticing, fragrant aromas of toast, lemon zest and an earthy-smoky nuance lead to a palate of subtle Bosc-pear, mango, papaya, even pineapple flavors. Lifted by fresh acidity on the medium-bodied palate, the wine keeps unfolding in toasted walnuts, honey and a dash of bitter marmalade. It’s mouth-filling, alive with acidity and full of finesse. Drink or hold.
Jim Gordon
Executive Editor
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Vinous
96
Drinking Window
2028 - 2040
From: Champagne: The 2024 Spring Preview and Fall Additions (Dec 2024)
Bollinger's 2015 Brut Grand Année is an intriguing wine in that is clearly reflects the decision to pick on the later side in order to avoid vegetal notes derived from the mismatch of alcoholic and phenolic ripeness. "Balance was hard to achieve in 2015," Chef de Cave Denis Bunner notes. "At 10% in sugar, the fruit was simply not ripe. We had to wait to reach the optimal window of ripeness." Bunner also opted to increase the Chardonnay, so the blend is 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay, as opposed to the more typical 70/30 blend, with more Verzenay than Aÿ in the Pinots. Dried citrus peel, sage, menthol, sage, tangerine peel and spice build with some coaxing. Light tropical overtones develop with aeration. There's real density and textural richness here. This will be a fascinating vintage to follow. Stylistically, it is the complete opposite from the much more linear 2014 that precedes it. Dosage is 8 grams per liter. Disgorged: May 2023.
- By Antonio Galloni on March 2024
Managing Director Charles-Armand de Belenet and Chef de Caves Denis Bunner have brought a renewed sense of energy at Bollinger that is palpable. Bollinger is among the maisons that are giving greater focus to vineyards and farming these days, as mentioned in the introduction to this report. The 2015 Grand Année and Grand Année Rosé are the latest releases, but there is plenty more in store for the near future.
I was delighted when one of our private clients reached out to schedule this celebratory dinner for a small group of friends and co-workers. Our guests took care of the arrangements with Wheeler Farms, and I chose several of my favorite wines, presented in thematic flights. Executive Chef Tom Harder, whom I had first met years ago at Mustard’s prepared a fabulous meal. The hospitality team led by Philip O’Conor and Patrick Memmott took care of every detail of service with the same precision. It was a fabulous night of wine, food and conviviality.
98
Drinking Window
2024 - 2044
From: Cellar Favorite: Bollinger: 2022 New Releases (Mar 2022)
The 2014 La Grande Année is stunning. In fact, it is one of the best recent editions I can remember tasting. What comes through most is the wine’s sizzling energy and tension, qualities that aren’t often associated with Bollinger, where the Champagnes tend to show more breadth and volume. In 2014, readers will find a Grande Année built on linear intensity and drive.
The 2014 is a blend taken from 19 villages, 61% Pinot Noir and 39% Chardonnay instead of the more typical 70/30 mix. For the second time in two decades (the first was 2007), Verzenay takes the lead in the Pinots over Aÿ, more or less an inverse from the norm. Verzenay, a north-facing village in the Montagne de Reims that saw less rain than Aÿ and most of the Vallée de la Marne, yields Pinots of energy more than volume. That, married with Chardonnays mostly from the Côtes des Blancs (predominantly Chouilly, Vertus, Oiry and Cramant), results in a truly magical Grande Année that will delight Champagne fans for several decades. I can’t recommend the 2014 highly enough. It’s a total knock-out. Disgorged: April, 2021. Dosage: 8 grams per liter.
- By Antonio Galloni on March 2022
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Wijnhuis
Since its foundation in 1829, the Champagne house Bollinger is located in Ay and family owned. The winery has 151 hectares of vineyards, mainly in Grand and Premier Cru areas. The uniqueness of these famous sparkling wines lies in the high standards of ethics and quality that the family has set for itself. These written principles dictate, for example, that the vinification of all wine takes place on the winery itself and is stored there on oak.
Both these high quality standards and the practice practiced to assemble only the best vintages from the best cultivation areas ensure the constant top quality of this Champagne, which Daniel Graig also prefers as a 007 agent.
The high quality requirements start at Bollinger in the vineyard. There is actually no second producer who selects the grapes so carefully at harvest, selects only the ripest grapes and consequently reduces the yield as Bollinger. The fact that people also know the literal side of champagne in this house is shown by the famous quote from Madame Bollinger, who answered the question when she prefers to drink champagne: “I drink champagne, when I am happy and when I am sad. I often drink it when I am alone; and if I have company, it should not be missed. When I'm not hungry I get hungry and when I'm hungry I let it taste good. Furthermore, I don't touch it unless I'm thirsty. ”
Food
Spijs
Deze 2015 Champagne Bollinger La Grande Année Brut biedt een prachtige balans tussen rijpe citrus, toastachtige nuances en subtiele kruidigheid, met een volle, rijke textuur en een lange, verfijnde afdronk. De frisse zuren en de complexe aroma’s maken het een wijn die zowel kracht als finesse uitstraalt. Door zijn elegante structuur past deze champagne perfect bij schelp- en schaaldieren, vooral wanneer ze bereid zijn met lichte saus of in de natuur geserveerd, zoals oesters of coquilles. Een bereiding met een lichte gratin of een subtiele vinaigrette versterkt de harmonie, terwijl de bubbels en de rijpe tonen deze gerechten extra laten stralen. De wijn brengt een feestelijke touch aan elke gelegenheid en is uitermate geschikt voor een speciale borrel of een feestelijk diner.
Klik op een categorie om heerlijke recepten te ontdekken die perfect combineren met deze wijn.
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