The 2007 Grande Annee is classic Bollinger, and reminds me very much of their great 2004. It is composed of 70% Pinot Noir, mostly from Ay and Verzenay and 30% Chardonnay primarily from Avize, Cramant and Oger. I tasted a preview bottle with Denis Bunner and found it lovely, nutty, generous, and toasty on the nose. In the mouth it was full of intense, savory creamy, even nougat like flavors, and the finish had the chalky cut to balance out all of the decadence! If you love great vintage Champagne, this is not to be missed.

Bollinger sources all their fruit from their 165 acres of Premier or Grand Cru vineyards that are Pinot Noir dominant to create the texture and finesse we have all grown to love from the producer. While 2007 was a more challenging vintage due to early bud bread and cool wet summer conditions, Bollinger's quality standard and impressive, yet time consuming, wine making techniques have created nothing less than an exceptional wine. I find the Pinot Noir fruit character is just starting to cross over to those more developed, earthy tones of reserved champagne. It is bold but bright with lemon zest and baking spice that stay on the palate during the long finish.

Green almond on the nose, with vivid citrus and hints of rounder stonefruit fruit through the palate, this Grande Année feels significantly sharper than the 2005 – thanks to a cooler 2007 vintage – but keeps the honeyed, vinous character Bollinger does so well. This is a substantial Champagne with a structured backbone of acidity, while the delicate mousse keeps it lively and elegant. Fresh-drinking for now but with real aging potential, this bright release was a hit at the last customer tasting, and is a worthy addition to any cellar.