Made only rarely and in small amounts when they are, magnums of Bollinger’s La Grande Annee Rose are rare beasts. The stellar 2015 has just been released and, with 96 points from William Kelley, is a strong opportunity for Champagne collectors.

Bollinger’s is one of the benchmark Rose Champagnes. It benefits hugely from the inclusion of superb red wine from the famous and very special Grand Cru plot of Cote Aux Enfants, is vinified in small oak barrels to add texture and body and is then riddled and disgorged by hand. The care and attention to detail are faultless and the result in a fabulous Champagne in 2015.

For William Kelley, this is “medium to full-bodied, pillowy and layered, with a broad attack that segues into a vinous palate framed by high levels of structuring dry extract that makes its presence felt on the sapid, nutty and penetrating finish” and, with 96 points, it matches the Wine Advocate’s higest-ever score for this cuvee.

A gem in bottles, even better in magnums. Details are below. Do take a look and let us know if you would like to secure a case or two.

Bollinger‘s 2015 Brut La Grande Année Rosé was disgorged in May last year with seven grams per liter dosage. Offering up deep aromas of orchard fruits, blood orange, mandarin rind and peach mingled with nuances of coffee, praline and fino sherry, it’s medium to full-bodied, pillowy and layered, with a broad attack that segues into a vinous palate framed by high levels of structuring dry extract that makes its presence felt on the sapid, nutty and penetrating finish. Given the skin maturity and inherent structure of the year, the Bollinger team elected to include only 4.5% of still red wine in the blend, a comparatively low percentage. (2024) www.robertparker.com Drink 2024-2045

Offered subject to final confirmation. Available in the UK in Q2 2025. Offer expires 17th January 2025.