Vieilles Vignes Françaises 2014

The eternal taste and soul of Champagne

This Pinot Noir originates from two unique Grand Cru parcels
of land in the grounds of the Maison Bollinger in Aÿ

The embodiment of two preserved plots

Champagne Bollinger’s history. In the ungrafted vines, there is a memory that was almost lost: an extraordinary, moving reminder of our cultural heritage, of the Champagne region before phylloxera. Miraculously, two plots survived this outbreak, Chaudes Terres and Clos Saint-Jacques in Aÿ. Maison Bollinger’s Vieilles Vignes Françaises are made exclusively from these legendary parcels. Both are classified as Grand Cru and are still grown in the old en foule way, using a traditional layering method known as provignage.

When designing the identity for this new Vieilles Vignes Françaises vintage, Champagne Bollinger focused on the authenticity of the two surviving plots. The design of the 2014 vintage is based on the traditional aspects of the cuvée and portrays the Maison’s exceptional historical heritage.

Assembly

The eternal taste and soul of Champagne

Vieille Vignes Françaises 2014 is an assembly of 100% Grand Cru Pinot Noir, fermented entirely in aged oak barrels. It is composed solely of harvests from the two legendary clos located near to Maison Bollinger in Aÿ, Les Chaudes Terres and Le Clos St Jacques.

Dosage is moderate, 4 grams per litre. 2,477 numbered bottles of Vieilles Vignes Françaises 2014 were produced. Each bottle is numbered and fully dressed by hand.

Sensations

The secret outcome from a year of contrasts

The 2014 vintage is the result of a very contrasting year: a rainy autumn and winter are followed by dry and sunny months, leading to an early bud break. Flowering occurs in an exceptionally sunny month, while a cold and wet summer is offset by a sunny September. Despite these strong constraints. Thanks to a perfect mastery of the harvesting process, the grapes from this vintage offer impeccable quality, resulting in a fresh and delightful 2014 vintage of Vieilles Vignes Française.

To the eye

Bright yellow gold in colour.

To the nose

A nose full of white flowers, lime blossom and acacia intermingled with beeswax and honey.

On the palate

All richness, depth, and freshness, the palate is extremely well balanced and finishes with notes of quince and vine peach, echoing the wine’s aromas.

Tasting recommendations

Vieilles Vignes Françaises 2014 can be served alongside the finest dishes, yet tasting this wine on its own is enough to create an exceptional tasting experience and a momentous occasion for any wine enthusiast. To highlight its unique style, scents, and aromas, we recommend you serve this wine between 10 and 12°C. You can enjoy this wine now, or choose to age it in your cellar.

Scores

99 /100

The bouquet is rich, dense and powerful like a rumbling thunderstorm in the distance.

Richard Juhlin
98 /100

a grand declaration of the full magnitude of pinot noir, yet proclaiming a magic unique to Vieilles Vignes Françaises in delivering grandeur at the outer limits of champagne, while maintaining unerring accuracy of definition, persistence, life, longevity and shuddering, breathtaking splendour

Tyson Stelzer