The first vintage of Vieilles Vignes Françaises was 1969, a fitting date as this was also the year of Lily Bollinger's 70th birthday. Previously incorporated into the other Bollinger wines, legend has it that the famous Champagne writer Cyril Ray persuaded Madame Bollinger to keep the fruit of these vines for a separate cuvée. Just a few thousand bottles of this rare and expensive cuvée are produced and that is only in the best vintages, in lesser years the fruit goes into the other Bollinger wines, and so even an important export market such as the UK will see an allocation of only a handful of cases. The price tag naturally reflects this rarity, exclusivity and high quality.
To the eye
Deep gold. The colour of a bright autumn morning.
To the nose
Very intense, characteristic of mature vintages.
Quince, honey, dried apricots and candied fruits flavours.
Tertiary aromas of grilled, toasted bread.
To the palate
A round, creamy mouthfeel with an effervescence that melts into the wine.
A saline, mineral finish.
Incredible length with exceptional richness and maturity.
