Champagne Bollinger, famed French wine house with nearly 200 years of history, paid a visit to Wally’s Santa Monica, where winemaker Denis Bunner shared a selection of his greatest hits. Among those was the main reason for his visit: newly released vintage of the famous La Grande Année. In fact, this latest release is so new and exclusive, Wally’s guests were among the first in the country to taste it.

Guests were treated to six exceptional pours of Champagne Bollinger, plus a surprise vintage from the vault. Each pour was matched to a tasting menu designed by Executive Chef Ryan Kluver, who outdid himself with beautiful and mouthwatering dishes that perfectly complemented the wines.

Highlights of the evening included a side-by-side comparison of 2012 La Grande Année and the highly-anticipated new release 2014 La Grande Année. While the 2012 vintage was very concentrated, with rich, bready notes that paired wonderfully with the dover sole dish, the 2014 felt airy and light, with crisp notes of pear and apple, sizzling with energy and tension, and perfect for lifting up the chicken and crayfish dish.

Bunner also shared a selection of fantastic rosé bottlings. Starting with NV Special Cuvée Brut Rosé excellently paired with salmon tartlets and chilled oysters, followed by the rosé accompaniment to the new 2014 vintage, 2014 La Grande Année Rosé, the pink bubbles showed fresh notes of strawberry and a luscious texture, lifted up with poignant acidity.

Wally’s and Bollinger also pulled a surprise vintage from the vault: 2002 La Grande Année. At 20 years old, this special bottle displayed an incredibly concentrated richness, while still being fresh and airy, showing the fantastic artistry of the Champagne house’s winemaking. Another highlight of the night was a still red wine: 2016 La Cote aux Enfants. With only 90 bottles available in the US, it was a truly exclusive treat.

Wrapping up the evening with the dessert course came the Special Cuvée NV Brut, a light and energetic wine with rich notes of yellow apple and pear, and a creamy finish perfect for balancing caramel tartlets, honey and quince financier, and assorted petit fours.

If you missed this dinner event, Wally's will be hosting more each month. Visit our Events Page to stay up-to-date on future experiences exclusive for Wally's guests!