1996 Bollinger Vieilles Vignes Francaises
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Tasting Notes
Bollinger’s 1996 Vielles Vignes Francaises is another Champagne that has developed beautifully in the last few years. Today it is nothing less than profound. Tasted several times next to Krug’s Clos d’Ambonnay, also a pure 100% Pinot, the Vielles Vignes Francaises currently shows a touch more inner perfume, sweetness and depth in a rich, vinous style that is impossible to resist. Both wines are insanely beautiful, drop-dead gorgeous and utterly seductive. Wow! Today the edge goes to the Vielles Vignes Francaises for current pleasure. I am not sure how the 1996 will age, but I honestly can’t imagine it can possibly get better than it is right now. Today it is undoubtedly one of the wines of the vintage. Antonio Galloni, Wine Advocate November 2010
Critic Scores
Average Score
The Wine Advocate
Richard Juhlin
More reviews and scores
Just as expected: a monumental wine experience! The wine belongs to the select few that behave with such evident, obvious authority that commentary and comparison feel superfluous. Still, to me the '90 is its closest cousin, with its vigor and velvety, young creaminess. Deep golden hue with extremely small bubbles that slowly make their way up through the glass. The bouquet is mute, tight, and powerful, like a distant rumbling thunderstorm. The palate is met by an oily, creamy essence of dark fruit and licorice. Long and wide as an American highway. A complete Champagne in its make-up. Drink it soon or wait ten years for the next phase. There's a great risk that it'll go hide in a tunnel for a few years—the second bottle I opened six months after launching already showed signs of heading into that tunnel. Richard Juhlin, Champagne Club
About the producer
Bollinger is one of the most renowned and coveted Champagne Houses in the world, famous for its Pinot-Noir-dominant wines, in particular La Grande Année and the rare Vieilles Vignes Françaises (from pre-phylloxera vines).