2008 Champagne Bollinger, R.D., Extra Brut

Only the best vintages are elevated to R.D. – ‘Recently Disgorged’ – status by Bollinger, and the wines are those that would otherwise become the La Grande Année. The 2008 La Grande Année was widely lauded, and as we have seen in the previous iterations, the R.D. that has evolved from it is nothing short of magnificent.

Produced using only Grand and Premier Cru fruit, vinification occurs 100% in old oak barrels for at least six months. Secondary fermentation occurs under natural cork, instead of the shared place crown cap, allowing for the perfect amount of oxygen ingress, thus bestowing a certain finesse and harmony. Once disgorged, the wine is released to the market just 3 months later with a very low dosage of 3 grams per litre, ensuring it shows its hallmark energetic acidity.

The 2008 vintage is now well-documented, and its reputation as one of Champagne’s greatest vintages is assured. Typically coolly fruity and classically styled, the wines have an elegant acidity and ripeness. With the R.D., the extended lees ageing—some 16 years—bestows perfectly balanced notes of caramel, toasted brioche and hazelnut.