by Bollinger
⏳ Drinking Window
Typically best enjoyed between 10 to 20 years from the vintage release, currently drinking at its peak of maturity and complexity.
🍽️ Food & Wine Pairings
Roasted duck breast, lobster thermidor, or aged Comte cheese.
✨ Technical Specifications
The year 2003 brought an unprecedented heatwave to Europe, resulting in the earliest harvest in Champagne since 1822. Rather than trying to force these extremely ripe grapes into their traditional Grande Annee blend, the house of Bollinger embraced the vintage's singular, dramatic personality. They crafted '2003 by Bollinger,' a unique, one-off cuvee that stands as a testament to the house's adaptability and mastery. Composed of approximately 74% Pinot Noir, mostly from the historic grand cru slopes of Ay, and 26% Chardonnay, this Champagne was fermented in old oak casks according to Bollinger's traditional methods. It represents a bold, opulent departure from their classic style, offering a rich, vinous profile characterized by baked fruits, honey, and toasted brioche, while retaining a surprising and elegant freshness.
🍾 About the Producer
Founded in 1829 in the grand cru village of Aÿ by Hennequin de Villermont, Paul Renaudin, and Jacques Bollinger, Champagne Bollinger stands as one of the most revered and historic family-owned houses in the Champagne region of France. Built upon an unwavering commitment to craftsmanship, the estate is distinguished by its meticulous use of oak barrel fermentation, an on-site cooperage, and extensive cellar aging under natural cork. Pinot Noir forms the powerful, structured backbone of the house style, sourced predominantly from Bollinger's extensive holdings in premier and grand cru vineyards. The house is globally celebrated for its rich and complex cuvées, ranging from the signature Special Cuvée and vintage-dated La Grande Année to the legendary R.D. and the exceptionally rare, ungrafted Vieilles Vignes Françaises.