Bollinger 2012 Grande Annee Rose in box

La Grande Annee Rose 2012 consists of 95 % white Grande Annee 2012 and 5 % still red wine from the famous Ay terroir Cote aux Enfants. The addition of this best plot of Ay and perhaps best pinot noir plot of the entire Champagne region that is also known as the Romanee Conti of Champagne has moved la Grande Annee Rose into a different league. La Cote aux Enfants which is a steep slope under a lime stone cliff high up above the village gives this champagne a subtle juicy fruitiness and enticing spice that is indeed reminiscent of the great terroirs of Vosne-Romanee. The still red Cote aux Enfants adds a component of fruit and spice which makes the champagne delicious now.

Richard Juhlin champagneclub.com 95(93) This time there is an extremely charming uplifting juiciness and fruit that makes the wine a winner. My thoughts and comparisons guide me towards Cristal Rose and now historical bottles by William Deutz Rose with their wonderful notes of orange fudge, nougat and white chocolate". One should add that these chocolaty aromas Juhlin foresees for the future of the 2012 Rose as at present it shows the combination of red and black current, elder berry, raspberry, grapefruit, combined with pepper and ginger and a discreet roasted flavour on the end of palate.

Joseph Bollinger saw the potential of this incredibly terroir when he bought individual plots from over 50 owners to constitute those just over four hectares that are the jewel in the crown of Bollinger today. The vineyards making Vieilles Vignes Francaises are still older and of course grow on original rootstock, but they are on a flatter terroir that is not as exceptional la Cote aux Enfants.