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2003
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| Community Tasting History |
| Community Tasting Notes (average 90 pts. and median of 90 pts. in 75 notes) - hiding notes with no text | | | Tasted by Matteo de Carne on 1/20/2024: Drank it 2023, still very good, crispy, fresch and good body (190 views) | | | Tasted by Alex Barbera on 11/19/2023 & rated 87 points: Sehr reif, sehr flach - enttäuschend (300 views) | | | Tasted by NoTrollingerPlease on 11/18/2023 & rated 88 points: Krug tasting (Freiheit Vinothek, Ulm, Germany): Glass: Riedel Superleggero Champagne
Tasted blind - Pirate. Clear, medium golden color. Ripe, advanced, rather tired nose. On the palate creamy, ripe, lots of caramel, sweet, marzipan, a bit of cellar mold perhabs. Thought of very old Moet. Weakest bottle of the night. 88 (499 views) | | | Tasted by dcwino on 9/12/2020 & rated 90 points: A few wines on the patio (Mi Casa): Medium expressive nose displaying very ripe concentrated yellow fruit, apple pie, lemon curd, light caramel, burnt butter and honey. Excellent concentration, slightly coiled ripe yellow fruit, generous medium fine mousse, medium acidity and mineral, and a medium to long very ripe sweet yellow fruit driven finish with honey at the end. Impressive concentration but lack finesse and complexity. (3651 views) | | | Tasted by champagne99 on 4/22/2019 & rated 94 points: Dracks under en halvblind provning av Bollinger Grande Année 02, 03, 04, 07 och 08.
Mörkast i färgen av alla och väldigt mycket bubblor i glaset, intensiv. Doften var distinkt och lite frän, jag var inne på att det möjligtvis var lite bränt eller rökigt. Jag tycker att det lugnade ner sig efter en stund och blev mer behagligt. Tyngd i smaken, mognad, äpple med en behaglig eftersmak i gomen. De intensiva bubblorna i glaset känns inte lika mycket i munnen. Omdömen från de andra var bra tyngd, utvecklad, viss friskhet, vanilj, nougat, frukt, stekta äpplen, äppelmos, mineral och syra: medel+.
Jag gillade verkligen denna! Jag gissade på 04. Eftermiddagens vinnare då tre av oss, inklusive jag, hade denna som favorit! (3530 views) | | | Tasted by Southern Wine Buff on 4/20/2019 & rated 92 points: Light gold in colour, with a very busy and effervescent bead for its age. A little retiring on the nose initially. Very smooth and creamy, with excelllent mouthfeel and biscuit notes at the back of the palate. A subtle yet powerful and very harmonious wine. (3024 views) | | | Tasted by winot on 4/21/2015 & rated 91 points: I was very nervous opening this as it was way past my target dates (got lost in the cellar...), and CT comments were mostly saying that it was past its prime - but this was really tasty - it did have a blowsy style, and was big, but was still recognizable as Champagne, still fresh, "normal" colour, and the other three people didn't notice a thing, so all good - toasty and rich, but fresh and correct, I quite enjoyed this. Having said that, if I had more, I'd drink them soon. (7423 views) | | | Tasted by onewineheaven on 8/14/2013 & rated 91 points: At a dinner with 8 people we opened 16 bottles. At the end of the meal some bottles were 1/2 full and some were empty. This one was empty. It is definitely a flamboyant champagne that is not for everyone's taste but people at this dinner voted with their palate and drank it. What better endorsement can you have? (10117 views) | | | Tasted by GraemeBell on 7/20/2013 & rated 88 points: Seemed a bit flabby at first but this faded over time. Secondary charateristics apparent and very soft. Maybe should have drunk sooner? (7891 views) | | | Tasted by mukden on 7/5/2013 & rated 89 points: Fading YES. So, I relly like this, had it a few years ago and was impressed by its distinctiveness. It still has great taste, and good initial bubbles but then it faded fast showing its age. I would suggest drinking immediately. (7674 views) | | | Tasted by rwstorer on 9/12/2012 & rated 91 points: Very consistant to similar tasting note. (8683 views) | | | Tasted by Atreyu on 4/6/2012 & rated 91 points: Powerful but not heavy. Spicy and complex. Low acid, but refreshing and elegant bitterness. Has developed better than feared. (5832 views) | | | Tasted by salil on 1/29/2012 & rated 86 points: Leo's Blind Tasting Group - Jan '12 edition (Montclair, NJ): Comes across a little soft and creamy, particularly following the incredibly precise and focused Ulysse Collin. There's lots of ripe orchard fruit, brioche and vanilla cream flavours in the mouth, but it doesn't have the definition or clarity that I'd expect from this house. (4732 views) | | | Tasted by richiemagnier on 7/15/2011 & rated 86 points: I'm a Bollinger fan and appreciate the effort and quality that goes into each bottle. The 2003 By Bollinger is a very nice Champagne indeed, but doesn't justify the €100+ price tag which you can pay for it here in Ireland. A few extra Euro can get you a Grande Année, and obviously there's no comparison.
It's lighter than the usual Bollinger sytle but still manages to maintain that characteristic toasty Bollinger note, this time wrapped up in leaner, more minerally citrus notes. The packaging is indeed excellent but I feel it's an attempt to dress mutton as lamb.
Don't get me wrong, it's delicious juice and I gladly drank it, but I would never consciously buy it at the current QPR. (4847 views) | | | Tasted by jill k on 4/24/2011: I heard people seldom make vintage champagne from 2003, but Bollinger did anyway. Came in a nice box. There were grassy, sugarcane-ish aromas. On te palate, small and lively bubbles, balanced acid profile and tons of apples. Very balanced, considering that it is a 2003. (5262 views) | | | Tasted by mukden on 7/6/2010 & rated 93 points: YES. (in Geneva) Described on the box as a special cuvee that was uncharacteristic from a year of storms and pestilence, I thought that this was really good. Through the bubbles you got a sense that this was a very interesting white wine, with a distinctive floral nose and real length. I was impressed by it's character. Still seemed you, light gold colour; showing little oxidation. Expensive but highly recommended. (5692 views) | | | Tasted by methers on 2/14/2010 & rated 88 points: Started off floral and light, but the taste opened out into something richer and more meaty. More flavour and complexity than expected really, although I don't know if it would develop much further with more time in the cellar. (6102 views) | | | Tasted by Kevin_C on 11/21/2009 & rated 91 points: Champagne Tasting (Wide World of Wines - Washington, DC): Restrained bouquet. Sweet, balanced palate. Full bodied. Smooth minerality and a very deep finish. 90-91 (6696 views) | | | Tasted by spotaha on 10/15/2009 & rated 89 points: Nice and clean with a nice, slight taste of the lees... (6921 views) | | | Tasted by HRT on 9/5/2009: Lovely small beads. Citrus scents. Light and lively. Very refershing. (6351 views) | | | Tasted by fredb on 7/26/2009: Pale yellow color. Fine bead. Nose of toasted bread, green apple, and roasted nuts. On the palate, this shows bread and nuts with yellow flowers and a hint of skin tannin from the yellow plum flavors that develop. Drinking fine now and my last bottle. (6491 views) | | | Tasted by Shorepower on 7/25/2009 & rated 80 points: Intogs i trädgården, första gången jag provat det, kanske inte värt sitt pris men fungerade till löjromssnittarna. Saknar djup och ganska liten eftersmak. Inte värt sitt pris. kommer inte att utvecklas (6352 views) | | | Tasted by tarheel17 on 6/22/2009: nose: candied, but with earthy, overripe tones. Some buttered popcorn nuances. Almost a coconut/tropical essence to it.
palate: initially some imbalance, it becomes less a sparring between the sappy fruit and the acidity over time and more a "sweet&sour plus mushroom" combination. Sounds weird, but it is definitely delicious. Super forward, though. I can sense oxidative qualities in the wings. Finishes long, with sweet lemon rind and buttered toast. Bordering on outstanding - 89-90 pts, depending on the mind frame.
Silly box. (6593 views) | | | Tasted by Alex G. on 6/2/2009: Lush, fat, rich, and round. Pears and yeast. Enjoyable now, though not for those seeking subtlety nor minerality. I am curious how this will age. (6724 views) | | | Tasted by dbkitc on 4/20/2009 & rated 88 points: Loose knit Champagne with broad flavors and little precision. Rich and a touch flabby tonight. Nice wine, for sure, but doesn’t have the cut and grip (combined with the wininess and depth) that I love about this house. Don’t know how it will age. (88) (6699 views) | | | Only displaying the 25 most recent notes - click to see all notes for this wine... |
| By Jancis Robinson, MW
JancisRobinson.com (6/19/2019)
(Bollinger, by Bollinger Brut 2003 Champagne White) Subscribe to see review text. | By Brad Baker
Champagne Warrior, January 2009, Issue #1, Tasting Notes of Champagne and Sparkling Wines
(Bollinger “) Login and sign up and see review text. | By Josh Raynolds
Vinous, November/December 2008, IWC Issue #141
(Bollinger By Bollinger Brut) Subscribe to see review text. | By Jancis Robinson, MW
JancisRobinson.com (8/20/2007)
(Bollinger, by Bollinger Champagne White) Subscribe to see review text. | By Peter Liem
ChampagneGuide.net
(Bollinger by Bollinger Brut) Subscribe to see review text. | By Richard Jennings
RJonWine.com (9/22/2008)
(Bollinger Champagne 2003 by Bollinger) Rich cherry, red fruit and plum nose; fruity entry, leading to a chalky, angular mid-palate; medium finish 91 points | By Jon Rimmerman
Garagiste (9/12/2008)
(By BOLLINGER) By and By Dear Friends, We've had a lot of requests for the 2003 Bollinger since we first offered it (probably from the new WS review that backed up Parker's assessment) but the new wholesale is closer to $100 - they were not very happy about offering the same price as the first round (pre-review) but I was able to squeeze a small additional amount at the same tarriff which looks like a bargain at this point. Here's the original offer from earlier in the summer with the new WS review: ************************************* Friday Focus (Redux): Bollinger "This wine has received a great deal of chatter recently after Parker's 95pt assessment on his Asian foray (documented on his web site). I believe this was one of the highest rated bottles of Champagne on his entire trip (and he tasted top bottles left and right, every night). Called a "white burgundy with bubbles" this Champagne is idiosyncratic, eccentric and one of a kind - that's why they named it as such ("by Bollinger" instead of just another Grande Annee). Controversial? Maybe but there is a huge contingent out there that could drink this every night. Batard mixed with a ripe Clos du Mesnil? If you close your eyes, it's possible. This is not the Grande Annee - "by Bollinger" is the winery's top cuvee in 2003." 2003 Bollinger "by Bollinger" (750ml) (RP95) STRICT LIMIT 12/person ************************************** In addition to the Bollinger, a few other wines of note...along with the requisite cut and paste fodder. I believe all of these have arrived and will be available for local pick up in 2-3 weeks. All prices should be darn low - the Vigna Rionda is as cheap as I've ever seen: 2004 Finca Allende Calvario STRICT LIMIT 12/person 2005 L'Oustal Blanc Minervois EXTREMELY LIMITED 2005 L'Oustal Blanc Minervois "Maestoso" EXTREMELY LIMITED 2006 Domaine Collotte Chambolle-Musigny STRICT LIMIT 12/person This is a delicious wine that will drink well in the mid-term - better than many 2005's and one of the only 2006 wines we've carried. 2000 Oddero Barolo "Vigna Rionda" (GR3) STRICT LIMIT 3/person at this price Thank you, Jon Rimmerman Garagiste Seattle, WA Champ7100 Spain8640 SOFR6810 SOFR6820 Burg9210 Italy7601 | By Jon Rimmerman
Garagiste (2/25/2008)
(By BOLLINGER) Bollinger Dear Friends, I’ve seen this wine in France at some of the better restaurants but have never been tempted to explore it until tonight, more due to other people whooping it up than by my own insatiable interest. If the collectors at the next dinner table are any indication of this wine’s enjoyment factor, it is quite high. Three bottles later, they refused to offer me even a small sip (despite my best efforts at small talk) but they were adamant that this wine was more than worth the $250 on the restaurant list (ouch). I didn't feel like plonking down $250 for a few sample swirls so I went to the phone instead. I’m glad I made the call - the result is a price that is even better than I thought I could coax out of them (especially because Champagne is the most expensive wine to ship from Europe, it can be double the cost of still wine). I’ve asked for samples, but by the time they get here it will be too late to offer this price (so you are going to have to do your own research). What I do know is that this is from their three best Grand Cru parcels in Ay, Cuis and Verzany from mostly Pinto Noir with the remainder Chardonnay. The vineyards are considered the three best and most historic vineyards in the Bollinger arsenal. I believe some of their best 1er fruit also makes it into this blend, but very little. The 2003 vintage was (as can be expected) highly unusual and only the highest rows (from an altitude perspective) made it into this Champagne. The “2003 by Bollinger” is what the winery considers their best and only top wine in 2003 (above the Grande Annee level) it takes the place of the RD as well in 2003 and is a middle ground between the two (although I’m sure the style is quite different due tot he vintage. Whatever the occasion, I’m sure this wine will deliver a memorable experience ONE SHIPMENT ONLY at this price directly from the source with perfect provenance 2003 Bollinger “2003 by Bollinger” Brut (750ml) (this is not the Grande Annee - this is Bollinger’s only top wine in 2003 - compare at $120-175 at this point) Please give us your maximum number up to 6/person and we will allocate accordingly Thank you, Jon Rimmerman Garagiste Seattle, WA Champ6400 |
NOTE: Scores and reviews are the property of JancisRobinson.com and Champagne Warrior and Vinous and ChampagneGuide.net and RJonWine.com and Garagiste. (manage subscription channels) |
| Bollinger Producer website
U.S. Importer (add'l info)Champagne Blend"Champagne blend" is a classic grape blend that typically includes Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and/or Pinot Meunier in any proportions.
However, this blend can also include Arbane, Fromenteau (Pinot Gris), Petit Meslier and/or Pinot Blanc as well.France Vins de France (Office National Interprofessionnel des Vins ) | Pages Vins, Directory of French Winegrowers | French Wine (Wikipedia)
Wine Scholar Guild vintage ratings
2018 vintage: "marked by a wet spring, a superb summer and a good harvest"
2019 vintage reports
2021: "From a general standpoint, whether for white, rosé or red wines, 2021 is a year marked by quality in the Rhône Valley Vineyards. Structured, elegant, fresh and fruity will be the main keywords for this new vintage."
2022 harvest: idealwine.info | wine-searcher.comChampagne Le Champagne (Le comité interprofessionnel du vin de Champagne) | Grandes Marques & Maisons de Champagne (Union des Maisons de Champagne)
France - When it comes to wine, France stands alone. No other country can beat it in terms of consistent quality and diversity. And while many of its Region, Bordeaux, Burgundy and Champagne most obviously, produce wine as rare, as sought-after and nearly as expensive as gold, there are just as many obscurities and values to be had from little known appellations throughout the country. To learn everything there is to know about French wine would take a lifetime. To understand and appreciate French wine, one only has to begin tasting them. Click for a list of bestselling items from all of France.
Sub-Region:
Champagne - The French region of Champagne (including the cities of Rheims, Épernay, and Aÿ) was the first region in the world to make sparkling wine in any quantity. Today, the name of the region is synonymous with the finest of all sparkling wines, and wine-making traditions of Champagne have become role models for sparkling wine producers, worldwide. Surprisingly, the region of Champagne is now responsible for only one bottle in 12 of all sparkling wine produced. Styles of champagne range in sweetness ranging from an extra brut or brut 0, to the basic brut to demi sec to doux; some houses produce single vintage champagnes and others produce non-vintage (or incorporate wines/grapes of multiple vintages), often to preserve a specific taste; combinations of grape varietals; and colors, including a rosé. There are several sub-appellations, including the Valley of the Marnes river running from Épernay west, Massif de Saint-Thierry north and west of Rheims, Valley of the Ardre, the Mountains of Rheims (between Rheims and Épernay), Côte des Blancs, Côte de Sézanne, and Côte des Bar in the South. Champagne wine only uses three grape varietals (cépages): Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier.ChampagneThe vineyards of Champagne on weinlagen-info |
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