Bollinger Brut Blanc de Noirs Champagne V.V. Françaises 2002

100 points Charles Curtis, MW (Decanter): "A superb vintage, with warm, dry conditions promoting ripening and cool nights helping retain acidity. This vintage still contained fruit from the ungrafted vines in Bouzy, and Bollinger waited until 20 September to pick (nearly a week later than everyone). After fermentation in cask and eight years ageing under cork, the wine was dosed at 4g/L to produce this momentous wine, a true show stopper. At this point, it is starting to open well, with notes of ripe apricot and quince, toasted brioche, and marzipan – there is a near-perfect evolution, with nothing over the top. Should last forever. Drinking Window: 2021-2071. (4/28/21)"

98 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "Bollinger’s 2002 Brut Vieilles Vignes Francaises isn’t really Champagne, nor is it a wine. Rather it is an extraordinary and frankly addicting concoction all its own. Endowed with the most refined mousse imaginable and endless layers of fruit, the 2002 VVF captivates both the hedonistic and intellectual senses to the fullest. Waves of subtle red fruit, smoke, mint and incense appear to be virtually endless, but at the same time, it is the wine’s textural richness that stands out the most. With time in the glass the 2002 just gets better and better. Readers fortunate to have the discretionary income needed to purchase the 2002 VVF should not hesitate. It is a once in a lifetime treat for most mortals! (Oct 2012)"

98 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "We start with a side-by-side comparison of Bollinger’s 2002 and 2004 Vieilles Vignes Françaises, one of my favorite Champagnes. The 2002 is spectacular, as it always is. Rich, warm and resonant, the 2002 covers the palate with seemingly endless layers of burnished, honeyed fruit and the most finessed, subtle mousse imaginable. I don’t see the 2002 making old bones, but it is flat-out great tonight. The 2004, on the other hand, is disappointing. More advanced in its flavors and with quite a bit less structure than the 2002, the 2004 is already maturing and needs to be enjoyed sooner rather than later. (Jan 2014)"

98 points Richard Juhlin (The Champagne Club): "(100% Pinot Noir). It is rare to get time to thoroughly analyze legendary greats like this, but I was struck by how vibrantly fresh some of the fruit and acidity was in this perfectly balanced cult wine. Everything is embedded in an unmistakable modern Bollinger suit more than oaky smokyness that could have been the case before. Super delicious and perfectly mature with push and fruity roundness preserved at the Sölleröd tasting. (Aug 2020)"