Peter Veldsman & Dirkie Christowitz Private Collection
Live Virtual Auction, 15 May 2022
Session 1
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
About this Item
Created in 1829, this wine estate has always pushed its visionary projects. From the beginning, the owners have had a constant desire to grow their estate while extending the influence of the Bollinger brand. The house took an historic turn when Elisabeth Bollinger took charge of the company. At first, she acquired new vines in Aÿ, Mutigny, Grauves and Bisseuil. Furthermore, in 1961 she created the ‘Recently Disgorged’ R.D. style which is a Champagne that has been aged on its lees for longer than usual. Lily, as she is affectionately known, raised the Bollinger brand to its legendary status. History will remember her silhouette crossing the vineyards by bicycle and her famous quote: ‘I drink it when I’m happy and when I’m sad. Sometimes I drink it when I’m alone. When I have company I consider it obligatory. I trifle with it if I’m not hungry and drink it when I am. Otherwise, I never touch it – unless I’m thirsty.’
The cuvée Grande Année is the best example of Bollinger's signature and its outcome. Powerfully vinous, with intense and complex aromas, this blend of grands crus and premiers crus makes this wine definitely one of the greatest.
Provenance
Private Client
Critics Ratings
‘Bollinger's 1990 Brut La Grande Année is drinking superbly today, wafting from the glass with a complex bouquet of dried orange, pear, praline, honeyed toast and subtle hints of mocha. Full-bodied, textural and vinous, with superb depth at the core, bright girdling acids and a pretty pinpoint mousse, it's seamless and complete.’ - William Kelley, Wine Advocate, 95/100 (April 2021)