Description

“I drink Champagne when I’m happy and when I’m sad. Sometimes I drink it when I’m alone. When I have company I consider it obligatory. I trifle with it if I’m not hungry and drink it when I am. Otherwise, I never touch it―unless I’m thirsty.” – Lily Bollinger

Since 1829, Bollinger has been producing great Chamapanges with a powerful, sophisticated and complex style. Known for their uncompromising ethos, the majority of Bollinger’s production is made using their own grapes, and most of these are fermented in barrel to help create the rich house style.

The R.D. cuvée, released shortly after its disgorgement, reflects the boldness of Madame Bollinger herself. Dismissing the trend in 1967 for unusually shaped bottles, Bollinger decided to concentrate on the essence of a champagne: its signature taste. Madame Bollinger set about creating a completely original tasting experience, with the aromatic intensity of the finest vintages contrasting with a fabulous freshness on the palate. This is a result of the natural acidity of the grapes during harvest underscored by the Extra Brut dosage. It was a revolution that would have a lasting impact not only on the Bollinger style but also on the world of Champagne as a whole. Each vintage is limited in volume, with every bottle riddled and disgorged by hand. Produced exclusively with the cuvée juice from 14 Crus, Bollinger R.D. is then fermented exclusively in small oak barrels and aged under natural cork in the cellars under Madame Bollinger’s house for more than four times longer than required by the appellation for an infinite array of flavours: a true wine alchemy.

To the eye, R.D. 2007 is bright and deep gold. The nose displays complex aromas of honey and brioche. This is followed by a host of spices (ginger, cumin and caraway), before evolving into notes of mirabelle plum, dried apricot and fresh hazelnut. On the palate, a lively and clean opening reveals notes of white plum, walnut and aniseed. Its beautifully fresh, with incredible tension.