Thw wine is Bollinger Vieilles Vignes Francaise Blanc de Noir Champagne 1973, bottle 00039. I bought 2 bottles at auction in the late 70s, and it has been properly stored since. It is rather difficult to find this low production wine, and it always has been rather expensive. However more recent vintages have sold for extremely high prices. According to the back label, it comes from 2 small vineyards never attacked by phylloxera. The vines are ungrafted Pinot Noir. It was cultivated according to the old layering method.
When first opened, I thought that it might be nearly flat, but the very tiny bubbles were released slowly to the end of the glass. Although it had less carbonation than a young Champagne, it was very much still a sparkling wine. The next surprise was that the color was very light yellow. From the color alone, I would have guessed that it was 1/2 the actual age, or less. If you close your eyes, you can nearly think you are drinking a very light, but very complex, red Burgundy. It has many layers of complexity, but nothing is heavy. There is ample acidity, but it is not harsh. There is some toast and yeast quality. If you take a sip and then take in some air, the mouth is filled with a very complex fruity mix. The finish is long for a Champagne.
Since this is the only bottle of this Champagne that I have ever tasted, I will not try to compare the 73 with other vintages. From what I have read, some claim this special Champagne demands some age to peak and that it holds up very well with several foods. This is one Champagne that I think I could identify blind, because it is so special. I would be happy with it as my only Champagne. Unfortunately it is very difficult to find in any vintage and the present extreme cost precludes this for nearly anyone, even if they have money to burn.