2008 Bollinger R.D

The 2008 vintage is characterised by its remarkable precision and opulence.

The assembly of this 2008 vintage is composed of 71% Pinot Noir and 29% Chardonnay. A total of 18 crus can be find in the blending, mostly Aÿ and Verzenay for Pinot Noir and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger and Cramant for Chardonnay. The fermentation is entirely in oak barrels. Bollinger R.D. is sold just a few months after being disgorged, with a very low dosage known as “extra brut”, at just 3 grams per litre. The recent disgorgement guarantees the remarkable freshness of the wine.

Critic Reviews

98 Points - Ken Garett, Wine Pilot
...If the RD appeals to you, do not hesitate. It is a very limited release (there will be further releases in coming years but again, minute quantities). As Bollinger say, they produce less than 1% of the region’s champagnes. Of that, RD is less than 1% of Bollinger’s production. In addition, there will not be another RD until the 2012 vintage is released.
The wine is a blend of 71% Pinot Noir and 29% Chardonnay (always at least 60% Pinot Noir, but 71% is quite high). The Pinot, all from Grand Cru vineyards, hails mostly from Ay, as well as Verzenay, Verzy and Ambonnay. The Chardonnay, almost all Grand Cru, is mostly Le Mesnil-sur-Oger and Cramant. 91% of the wine is from Grand Cru vineyards. The wine is a deep golden bronze color. The immediate impression is an impressive array of nutty notes. Hazelnuts certainly, but also walnuts and a touch of almond. This is a wine of complexity, power, class, richness, harmony, persistence and more – all hallmarks of great Bollinger champagnes. Stonefruit, tobacco leaves, brioche and those endless hazelnuts Sith hints of acacia florals and ginger. A wonderful intense creamy texture and great length. This is a wine with focus and intensity with the palate offering more apricot kernels, hints of toast and those nuts. Fine acidity and traces of salinity run the length, and this is a very long wine indeed.