Bollinger Vieilles Vignes Françaises 2013 - The eternal taste and soul of Champagne
In the ungrafted vines, there is a memory that was almost lost.
When designing the identity for this new Vieilles Vignes Françaises vintage Champagne, Bollinger focussed on the authenticity of the two plots that survived phylloxera - the louse that devasted vineyards in France, and the world over.
Vieilles Vignes Françaises 2013 is an assemblage of 100% Grand Cru Pinot Noir, fermented entirely in aged oak barrels. The two legendary vineyards of Les Chaudes Terres and Le Clos St Jacques are responsible for the A-grade fruit that makes the cut for this Champagne.
The 2013 growing season saw a succession of unusual climate conditions: a rainy spring, combined with the strongest sunshine ever recorded in a summer in Champagne. Despite these challenges, the harvest offered grapes of a peerless quality. The result is as intense as it is fresh.
To the eye
The wine has a deep golden colour.
On the nose
Quince jam, fresh Mirabelle plum and nectarine fruit, blanched almonds, fresh hazelnut, tonka bean, and layers of candied lemon peel and sweet spice.
On the palate
An ample, powerful, and lively palate. A hint of sea-air rounds off this generous and intense wine.
“The most subtle hint of raw, buttery shortcrust pastry is followed by a touch of pure, ripe, sweet apple flesh and a promise of mellow creaminess. Overtones of caramel and a pure citric note appear with more air. All is nuanced, all is subtle, all is creamy. The palate strikes with finest foam and a distinct saltiness and real concentration. There is density and depth and ripe apple richness. This is countered by finest, mouth-watering acidity that reveals visceral streaks of umami, shimmering like fresh shiitake and chalky depth. Great elegance, great nuance, endless length, a monument. This is only just hitting its stride.” 99 points
Anne Frebiehl MW, falstaff.com
This champagne is extremely limited in the UK. If you would like more information or wish to place an order, please call directly or email adam@saxtyswines.co.uk