2008 Bollinger R.D

98 Points - Ken Gargett, Quill & Pad

“The immediate impression was two things. First, an impressive array of nutty notes. Hazelnuts certainly, but also walnuts and a touch of almond. Indeed, Bollinger always links something to their wines – with the 2007, it was saffron; with 2008 it is hazelnuts from Piedmont. I can’t speak to the specifics of Piedmontese hazelnuts, but assuming that they do not vary too much from those with which I am familiar, I could not agree more. The second impression was that, while a glorious wine, the character is more Bollinger (the DNA of the house, if you like) than 2008. This is a wine of complexity, power, class, richness, harmony, persistence and more – all hallmarks of great Bollinger champagnes.”

93 Points - Simon Field MW, Decanter

“Bright in colour with gold reflections, the aromatics are immediately captivating, with marzipan, acacia, apricot and patisserie all vying for attention. It’s impossibly youthful yet reassuringly mature, a bread basket of delicious contradiction. Cerebral seduction ensues on the palate, with dried fruits, bergamot and lime joining the party, then come the hazelnut notes – which have been identified as a leitmotif for the vintage – and a clean, almost chalky finish to restore rigorous harmony. Precision in no way undermines generosity, and generosity in no way undermines potential. A very fine piece of work all in all, tasted from magnum, alongside bottle and jeroboam.”