A stunning edition of one of the great vintage Champagnes that sees immense power and freshness carry the inherent complexity that is the cornerstone of the Bollinger style. Lemon rind, chalk, lime juice and light-grilled nuts here, this has terrific freshness and fragrant lift, gently sweet biscuity complexity here too. The palate's crisp, powerful, assertive and long, delivering a wealth of apple, melon and citrus fruit flavour amid lemon biscuit, almond nougat and a jousting savoury vs. cleansing finish. It's superb now, but will grow and develop handsomely for some years if well cellared. Drink from 2016.

– jamessuckling.com, October 2012

Since the year 1990 made vintage wines from Bollinger in a little fruitier more persikodoftande style with slightly less pronounced smokiness and nuttiness. I was always more impressed initially by the previous style, but it feels like the differences even out over time. 2002 is very fruity and a little slippery at the moment, but I am convinced that the fruitiness will be low, and that we will see a deeper beauty over time.

–champagneclub.com, Richard Juhlin

See score and full tasting note at champagneclub.com.

60% Pinot Noir, selected from grand crus on the north and south side of the Montagne de Reims, blended with 40% Chardonnay from Cuis and elsewhere on the Côte des Blancs. After fermentation in cask and ageing under cork, the wine was disgorged with a dosage of roughly 8g/L. Today it is opening up, with notes of ripe apple, brioche, and a touch of caramel. The texture is velvety and lush, and the wine seems hedonistically ready to drink, although it should continue to hold for some time to come.

Quality 970 | Brand 957 | Economics 931 |

buzz brand
Quality: Above the average quality score of its peer group for the 2002 vintage, 845 Brand: Strong restaurant presence, featuring on 33 of the world's top wine lists, including First Floor Economics: Below its peer group average price of £99 for the 2002 vintage Production:

- www.wine-lister.com, June 2017

Ripe, appealing flavors of peach, Gala apple, toast and blood orange mix with a streak of minerality and notes of spice, all set on the fine-grained texture. Fresh and focused, with racy acidity and a long, mouthwatering, nut-tinged finish. Drink now through 2025. 1,000 cases imported.

– Wine Spectator, November 2011

(60% pint noir and 40% chardonnay; 71% of the fruit is from grand cru sites and rest from premier crus; disgorged February, 2011): Light gold. Ripe pear and honey on the explosively perfumed nose, with sexy floral and marzipan nuances expanding with air. Fat, full and palate-coating, boasting impressive power and thrust. Shows an intriguing blend of richness and energy and finishes long, with smoky and spicy nuances.

The 2002 Brut La Grande Annee is marvelous. The 2002 is an understated Grande Annee that caresses the palate with layers of effortless, weightless fruit. The mousse is exceptionally fine, which adds to the impression of total elegance. This is a relatively bright, floral Grande Annee with plenty of aromatic lift, inner perfume and no sense of heaviness at all. A rich, creamy finish adds the final note of complexity and pedigree. The 2002 is 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay, 71% from Grand Cru villages and 29% from Premier Crus. Disgorged February 2011. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2022. Bollinger is of course one of the great names in Champagne. The Special Cuvee is typically one of my favorite wines in its price range, but it is the 2004 Rose La Grande Annee that steals the show this year. Bollinger is unique among Champagne houses in that the reserve wines are all bottled in magnum and with natural cork, a huge, labor-intensive effort. Importer: Terlato Wines International, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604-8900

Extremely promising combination of the completeness and potential of the 2002 champagne vintage and Bollinger's distinctive mushroomy perfume, full Pinot-dominated palate and dry finish. This should make great old bones and, thanks to 2002's power, is already much more approachable than many previous young vintage Bollingers. Notes of putty and, oddly, roast chicken(!). Complex, satisfying and extremely promising. To be launched in the UK early next year. Not heavy - just substantial.

– jancisrobinson.com, Jancis Robinson