R.D. 2002 Bollinger

Wine description

Only the very best among vintage champagnes become Bollinger R.D. R.D. stands for "Récemment Dégorgé", recently disgorged: Madame Bollinger created this legendary vintage in 1967, giving the world the opportunity to taste a champagne aged on lees for an exceptionally long time. Her great vision? Enabling knowledgeable wine connoisseurs to share a very special moment, when very recently disgorged wine is as fresh and aromatic as ever. It was a small revolution in the world of champagne… The daring Bollinger R.D. could only become James Bond's favourite champagne. Bollinger R.D. will enhance all gourmet cuisine but its aura is such that it creates a special occasion on its own. Offering it as a gift is a sign of a great friendship. Bollinger R.D. can be enjoyed right away to appreciate the exceptional freshness due to its recent disgorging; you may also choose to let it mature further: its ageing potential is endless.

Tasting Notes

Golden with subtle highlights. Scent: Aromas of stewed ripe fruit, particularly quince, but also a discreet note of honey. These are followed by roasted notes and cocoa, which give way to flavours of star anise and nutmeg. Taste: Full-bodied attack. Powerful but well-balanced, with persistent flavour. Mineral finish with touches of lemon revealing a pleasing bitterness.

Vinification

60% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay 23 crus: mainly Aÿ, Verzenay, Bouzy and Tauxières for the Pinot Noir, Cramant, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Oger and Cuis for the Chardonnay - 71% Grands crus and 29% Premiers crus. Exclusive use of the cuvee. Fermented entirely in barrels.

Ageing

A very long maturation, more than three times longer than required by the appellation, for an infinite array of flavours: a true wine alchemy.