La Grande Années
Explore our recent La Grande Année vertical tasting, revealing contrasts in bottle sizes over time.
By Boris Buliga
Let's be real: a vertical tasting of La Grande Année does tickle our hedonistic side. However, there's a method to this indulgence. A recent gathering opened our eyes (and palates) to the expected yet stark contrast between regular and magnum bottles over time -- a revelation that left us more curious than a cat in a vineyard. Sadly, we couldn't do an apples-to-apples (or grapes-to-grapes) comparison then, so we're setting the stage for a more 'scientific' exploration this time.
Plus, we've brewed up a theory that longer ageing on lees might just curb the post-disgorgement ageing potential. Armed with these hypotheses (and an unquenchable thirst for quality bubbly), we lined up an evening starring La Grande Année by Bollinger. The show-stopper? A long-anticipated magnum of Egly-Ouriet that set the tone impeccably. And because no epic tasting is complete without a grand finale, we wrapped up with a rosé that's been charming its way through 17 years of existence. And of course, how can you go without La Grande Année's older brother - R.D.?
P.S. For those itching to dive deeper into the world of Bollinger, we've got a page teeming with juicy details. It's like a backstage pass to the champagne world, minus the velvet rope. Just read it!
| Wine | WAVG | SD | |
|---|---|---|---|
 La Grande Année2014 Bollinger | #5 | 4.42 | 0.10 |
 Bollinger 1.5L · Magnum | 🥈 | 4.55 | 0.12 |
 La Grande Année2000 Bollinger | #9 | 4.36 | 0.14 |
 Bollinger 1.5L · Magnum | 🥉 | 4.50 | 0.11 |
 Egly-Ouriet 1.5L · Magnum | 🥇 | 4.63 | 0.10 |
 R.D.2008 Bollinger | #6 | 4.39 | 0.10 |
 R.D.1995 Bollinger | #7 | 4.38 | 0.14 |
 R.D.1990 Bollinger | #4 | 4.43 | 0.18 |
 Bollinger | #8 | 4.37 | 0.06 |
 Sauternes1997 Château d'Yquem | #10 | 4.29 | 0.21 |