99 points Tyson Stelzer (The Champagne Guide): "(35% chardonnay, 65% pinot). From a year of extremes, in which one-third of Champagne’s vines died in a bitterly cold winter, this is a triumphant La Grande Année. Boasting a glowing, golden-yellow hue, it resonates with magnificent layers of truffles, pipe smoke, grilled pineapple and crème brûlée, and yet preserves delightful freshness, energetic grapefruit crunch and sensational poise, even at a full third of a century of age. In commanding and enduring line, length and sheer, jubilant confidence, this is epic Bollinger, and one of the greatest 1985s I have ever tasted. (2020-2021)"
96 points Richard Juhlin: "(65% Pinot Noir, 35% Chardonnay). This is what Bollinger is all about. The color is deep and the concentrated, glycerol-rich Champagne forms clear 'legs' along the edge of the glass. The nose combines weight with complexity. Biscuits, hazelnuts, chocolate, and toasted bread, together with a faint element of oyster shell. The life-bearing malic acidity is restrained and fine, and elevates this powerfully chewy wine to greatness. More walnutty complexity with age. (Aug 2009)"
94 points William Kelley (Wine Advocate): "This pristine bottle of Bollinger's 1985 La Grande Année was showing brilliantly, wafting from the glass with a complex bouquet of smoky yellow orchard fruit, walnuts, fino sherry and mocha. On the palate, it's full-bodied, broad and powerful, with a more than vestigial pinpoint mousse, ripe acids and a deep but open-knit core, underpinned by racy acids and concluding with a long, gently oxidative finish. This is a classic Bollinger that's in its prime from well-stored bottles. Drink: 1998-2030. (Jul 2020)"
94 points Essi Avellan, MW: "(65% Pinot Noir, 35% Chardonnay). Deep golden colour. This wine is at a beautiful drinking age right now. An appetising mix of coffee, toffee and rich, exuberant fruit. The nose promised mellowness and voluptuousness but the acidity keeps the palate fresh and lively. At that lovely point were the best of both worlds meet: age-mellowed complexity and vibrancy of the youth. (Mar 2011)"
96 points Richard Juhlin: "(65% Pinot Noir, 35% Chardonnay). This is what Bollinger is all about. The color is deep and the concentrated, glycerol-rich Champagne forms clear 'legs' along the edge of the glass. The nose combines weight with complexity. Biscuits, hazelnuts, chocolate, and toasted bread, together with a faint element of oyster shell. The life-bearing malic acidity is restrained and fine, and elevates this powerfully chewy wine to greatness. More walnutty complexity with age. (Aug 2009)"
94 points William Kelley (Wine Advocate): "This pristine bottle of Bollinger's 1985 La Grande Année was showing brilliantly, wafting from the glass with a complex bouquet of smoky yellow orchard fruit, walnuts, fino sherry and mocha. On the palate, it's full-bodied, broad and powerful, with a more than vestigial pinpoint mousse, ripe acids and a deep but open-knit core, underpinned by racy acids and concluding with a long, gently oxidative finish. This is a classic Bollinger that's in its prime from well-stored bottles. Drink: 1998-2030. (Jul 2020)"
94 points Essi Avellan, MW: "(65% Pinot Noir, 35% Chardonnay). Deep golden colour. This wine is at a beautiful drinking age right now. An appetising mix of coffee, toffee and rich, exuberant fruit. The nose promised mellowness and voluptuousness but the acidity keeps the palate fresh and lively. At that lovely point were the best of both worlds meet: age-mellowed complexity and vibrancy of the youth. (Mar 2011)"
| Product SKU | 342858 |
| Producer | Bollinger |
| Country | France |
| Region | Champagne |
| SubRegion | Vallée de la Marne |
| Varietal | Champagne / Sparkling Blend |
| Designation | Brut |
| Vintage | 1985 |
| Size | 750ml |
| Color | White |
| Blend | 65% Pinot Noir, 35% Chardonnay |
| Ships To |
