Bollinger La Grande Année Rosé

Disgorged with eight grams per liter dosage, Bollinger's 2012 Brut La Grande Année Rosé is showing beautifully, wafting from the glass with aromas of raspberries, plums, orange rind, walnuts and fresh bread that only hint of the complexity to come. Full-bodied, broad and vinous, with fine depth at the core, a pinpoint mousse and racy acids, it concludes with a long and perfumed finish. The blend includes 5% red wine exclusively from Bollinger's La Côte Aux Enfants vineyard—which imparts delicate phenolic grip.

Emphatic medium (not pale) orangey pink. That mildly oxidative Bollinger style on the nose – this could be a nice wine to have to guess blind. Although there's a little strawberry fruit underneath. Excellent vitality and crisp refreshment on the palate. Dry finish – a wine for a main or first course. Very long. Very nice structure, balance and composition.

Honey and roses with fresh almonds and an array of dried berries, amid deep, rich, toasted-nut, autolysis character. The palate has a bold array of rich, concentrated berry flavors in a fresh core, surrounded by a warming wrap of grilled hazelnuts. Roasted coffee to close. Terrific complexity. Drink now.