60% Pinot Noir; 25% Chardonnay; 15% Pinot Meunier. All Bolly in its toasty, chalky, slightly angular but powerful way, this wine reminds of the company's "Grande Annee" in its fairly bold approach. Frothy and insistent in its bubbles and tasty, rich, toasty, stony and vanillin all at the same time, this is Champagne with a purpose, and, in this case, it works without being over the top in any dimension.

Deep aromas of ginger, toffee, butter and nutskin; reminded me of a maturing white Burgundy. Full-bodied and intense, with flavors of toasted bread, spiced apple, baked pear and nutskin. Sappy, deep and strong in extract; this has impressive palate presence. Finishes with excellent subtle persistence. A particularly harmonious bottle of Bollinger, and a perfect dinner-table Champagne.