Bollinger RD 2004

R.D stands for “Recently Disgorged” and was an innovation of Madame Bollinger who wished to release a Champagne that would be released ready to drink and would combine extraordinary freshness with greater aromatic complexity. The 2004 is a blend of 66% Pinot Noir and 34% Chardonnay from a combination of 88% Grands Crus and 12% Premiers Crus. As is traditional at Bollinger, it is fermented entirely in oak barrels before maturation for nearly 13 years under cork. It is rich, full-bodied and deep, boasting notes of red berries, Mirabelle plum, brioche, crème pâtissière, lightly griddled nuts and chalky minerality. Wonderfully refined and elegant, it glides effortlessly across the tongue and finishes with light mineral accents and subtle oxidative nuttiness.