2014 Bollinger La Côte aux Enfants and Vieilles Vignes Françaises: A Celebration of Craftsmanship
The 2014 vintage from Bollinger showcases the house’s exceptional ability to create exquisite wines even in challenging conditions. The newly named La Côte aux Enfants, previously known as La Côte aux Enfers, is located in Aÿ, a grand cru village. This remarkable vineyard, renowned for its steep slopes, was redesigned to reflect its more inviting nature, where children can easily maneuver.
In producing the wine from La Côte aux Enfants, the house has uncovered the potential for crafting extraordinary blanc de noirs Champagne, which was first insightfully revealed in the 2012 vintage. The cooler northwestern sector of the vineyard leads to a unique wine that reflects the understanding and commitment Bollinger has towards this historic site.
During a "Harvest Lunch" in London, Denis Bunner, recently appointed chef de cave, discussed the intricacies of the 2014 growing season, which presented various challenges. Despite the adverse cool and wet summer, Bollinger’s adherence to organic practices and commitment to quality enabled a late harvest that yielded concentrated and healthy fruit. The result is a wine that captures the essence of the vineyard’s terroir, emphasizing maturity and minerality.
Tasting Notes
-
2014 Bollinger La Côte aux Enfants
This wine, composed entirely of Pinot Noir, exudes a delicate pale lemon gold color, featuring a fine and persistent mousse. The nose offers a kaleidoscopic array of aromas, from ripe fruit like Golden Delicious apple and white peach to minerality with hints of chalk and marine-salinity. With an elegant balance of freshness and complexity, the palate reveals layers of subtle spices and a long, refined finish. A total of 3,000 bottles were produced. Rating: 97–98 -
2014 Bollinger Vieilles Vignes Françaises
Displaying a medium-deep gold hue, this wine features a gentler mousse. Aromas reveal themselves gradually, merging floral notes with dried fruits and a touch of honey. There’s a rich, layered mouthfeel that remains perfectly balanced, showcasing concentration and an endless finish, hierarchically structured yet effortlessly grand. A modest total of 1,865 bottles were crafted. Rating: 96–98
This release stands as a testament to Bollinger’s dedication to excellence and innovation, solidifying its reputation as a premier producer in the Champagne region. For those seeking a profound tasting experience, these wines are not to be missed.