1996 Bollinger Champagne La Grande Année - France, Champagne (11/24/2020)
Given the swift maturing of both Bollinger and (to my taste) 1996 Champagnes, I went into this with a backup bottle ready to go. Didn’t need it, except that we drank the Bolly too quickly. Delicious from the get go, it had a buttery note that played really well with the toast and apple elements. Spice emerged on the back end, and just a hint of caramel. Strong, long finish, and the acids kept bringing me back for another sip, after a bite of gougeres. Just wonderful.