Bollinger RD 2002

Bollinger RD 2002

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£250.00
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  • Robert Parker rating 95
  • Vinous rating 95
  • Jancis Robinson rating 19
Bollinger RD 2002
19 left

HED83315

75 cl

12.5%
£250.00
Taxes included.

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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. From the exceptional 2002 vintage, this is a blend of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay from 23 separate crus (71% Grands crus and 29% Premiers curs).
95 Robert Parker
I`ve encountered some bottle variation with Bollinger`s 2002 Extra-Brut R. D., but this example, disgorged in 2016, was showing especially well, offering up a deep bouquet of dried fruits, orange zest, mocha, spices, English walnuts and hazelnuts. Full-bodied, broad and enveloping, with a pillowy, seamless profile and a fleshy core, it concludes with a long, sapid finish. With two grams per liter less acidity than the more incisive 2008 (which has not yet been released as R. D.), the 2002 is a giving, expansive wine that is drinking well today. - William Kelley
95 Vinous
The most remarkable thing about the 2002 Extra Brut R.D. is how tense and structured it is. Despite having been disgorged over two years ago, the 2002 is very much tightly wound. After several hours, the power and resonance of the vintage start to come through, along with the natural richness of Pinot from Aÿ. Whereas most 2002 Champagnes are quite ripe in profile, the 2002 R.D. has plenty of depth, but it is depth through concentration as opposed to elevated ripeness. The low dosage style further adds to that sensation. Hints of chamomile, sage, dried flower and red fruits emerge over time, but only with reluctance. I would prefer to cellar the 2002 for at least a few years. If that is not possible, readers should open the wine at least a few hours in advance. Even so, the 2002's best drinking lies somewhere in the future. My sense is that the 2002 will be at its best between the ages of 20 and 30. Disgorged: September 11, 2015.Antonio Galloni1st December 2017
19 Jancis Robinson
60% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay. 23 crus of which 71% are Grands Crus and the rest Premiers Crus. Dosage under 4 g/l. Very firm, savoury nose with Bollinger`s trademark fungi. Very powerfully so but with excellent acidity and lift on the palate. This is touted as a 50th anniversary offering because the first RD (Recently Disgorged) vintage released on the UK market was the 1952, in 1967 (so it was three years older than this 2002). It was launched at the same time as the 1953 on the French and Swiss markets and the 1955 on the American and Italian markets. A nod to British taste for seriously mature champagne? This wine should not be served too cool. It has real weight – though does not taste heavy. I loved it on first release as Grande Année and it is less austere now. A bit mellower and more open though still with the deep throat salve sensation on the finish. (JR)

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Bollinger

Bollinger

A Classic Grande Marque

Synonymous with sophistication and quality, Champagne Bollinger was awarded the Royal Warrant as Official Purveyor of Champagne to Queen Victoria in 1884. From special cuvées and Rosé Champagnes, to rarely seen vintages, luxurious large formats and Recently Disgorged styles, this is a wonderful House to discover. Bollinger wines even have a close association with James Bond - and rare limited editions have been released in celebration of the films from Moonraker to No Time To Die.

The Bollinger vineyard covers 179 hectares, with 85% of these Grand and Premier Cru. One of the last family-run Champagne houses in the region, Bollinger is located in the village of Aÿ, near Épernay. A number of practices are key to the Bollinger approach: the majority of grapes used in the wines have to come from the Maison's own vineyards; Pinot Noir must play a dominant role in the blend; the role of micro-oxygenation from barrel fermentation; and long periods of bottle aging (two to three times longer than required).

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