1996 Bollinger Blanc de Noirs Vieilles Vignes Françaises
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Tasting notes
The 1996 Vieilles Vignes Françaises continues to age impeccably. Honey, Mirabelle, dried flowers, coffee and hazelnut are all typical of mature Pinot, and yet the 1996 retains terrific vibrancy and energy to play off its richer, more burnished tones. Texturally dazzling and just impeccable in its balance, the 1996 VVF is one of the truly epic wines of this iconic Champagne vintage. This is such a deeply satisfying Champagne. In a word: utterly mesmerizing. Okay, so that is two words.
Critic scores
Richard Juhlin
The Wine Advocate
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Bollinger’s 1996 Vieilles Vignes Françaises is utterly beguiling from the very first taste. Hints of white truffle meld into apricot jam, spices, honey and wild flowers. The 1996 VVF has developed into a soft, delicate Champagne built on pure subtlety.
Bollinger's 1996 Vieilles Vignes Françaises 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 Vieilles Vignes Françaises 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 Françaises 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.
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).