Bollinger La Grande Année 2018 is an exceptional vintage Champagne that embodies the House of Bollinger's signature richness, precision, and elegance. Produced only in outstanding vintages, La Grande Année represents the finest expression of Bollinger's traditional craftsmanship, combining the structure and depth of Pinot Noir with the finesse and freshness of Chardonnay.
The 2018 vintage is composed of 66% Pinot Noir and 34% Chardonnay, sourced predominantly from Grand Cru and Premier Cru vineyards in Champagne. Fermented in small oak barrels and aged extensively on the lees, this prestigious cuvée offers remarkable complexity, a beautifully refined mousse, and extraordinary aging potential.
The bouquet opens with expressive aromas of ripe orchard fruits, white peach, red berries, and blood orange, layered with delicate floral notes of acacia, jasmine, and rose petals. Subtle nuances of toasted brioche, hazelnut, praline, and warm spices add richness and depth.
On the palate, La Grande Année 2018 is both generous and beautifully structured, revealing concentrated flavors of white cherry, baked apple, citrus zest, and delicate red fruits. Its creamy, finely textured mousse is balanced by vibrant acidity and distinctive chalky minerality. The finish is exceptionally long and elegant, with lingering notes of roasted almonds, fresh ginger, and a captivating saline freshness.
A magnificent Champagne for special occasions, La Grande Année 2018 is equally compelling at the table, pairing beautifully with lobster, scallops, roasted poultry, truffle dishes, and aged cheeses. While already displaying remarkable harmony, its structure and complexity promise further development with careful cellaring.
Professional Ratings & Reviews
98 Points — Wine Enthusiast
A wine built on generosity, precision, and layered depth. The nose alone is remarkably complex, offering crushed raspberry, white peach, blood orange, rose hip, jasmine, saffron, patisserie, fresh ginger, and hazelnut. On the palate, concentrated, pure red berries rest atop delicate spice, yeast, and fine clay. Divine and harmonious, this expression should only deepen with additional cellaring."
97 Points — Wine Spectator
July 13, 2026 "A statuesque Champagne, with a spine of fine china–like acidity enmeshed in the plush mouthfeel of its finely detailed mousse. That’s an elegant springboard for layers of white cherry, creamed apple and brioche, with a fragrant skein of grated coconut, toasted cumin, anise, acacia blossom and mandarin orange peel accents. A push of salty roasted almond is a subtle but rich and lasting chime on the finish. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay."
96 Points — Vinous
March 9, 2026 "Bollinger's 2018 La Grande Annee is quite pretty and delicate. Floral and citrus notes are nicely lifted in a Grande Annee that offers notable sensuality and grace. Hints of orchard fruit, chamomile, mint and chalk build through the mid-palate and into the taut, chiseled finish. There's plenty of energy and focus. I would give this a few years in the cellar."
96 Points — James Suckling
August 3, 2026 "Aromas of quince, wet stones, roasted apples, pralines, wilted rose petals, yellow plums and acacia. The mousse is creamy and finely textured, leading to a captivating saline finish. A fine expression of Bollinger. A blend of pinot noir and chardonnay."
Wine Details
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Producer: Champagne Bollinger
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Wine: La Grande Année Brut
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Vintage: 2018
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Region: Champagne, France
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Appellation: Champagne AOC
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Grape Varieties: 66% Pinot Noir, 34% Chardonnay
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Style: Vintage Brut Champagne
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Color: White
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Vineyards: Predominantly Grand Cru and Premier Cru sites
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Vinification: Traditional fermentation in small oak barrels
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Aging: Extended maturation on the lees
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Dosage: Brut
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Bottle Size: 750ml
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Serving Temperature: 46–50°F (8–10°C)
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Cellaring Potential: Excellent; suitable for extended aging under proper storage conditions
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