Bollinger R.D. 2004

Bold and Brilliant

The extraordinary freshness of a recently disgorged wine, the exceptional aromas of an old vintage.

Bollinger R.D., an uncategorisable cuvée

Bollinger R.D. is a unique wine, a vintage aged for a long time on lees, that is afterwards disgorged by hand. The result is powerful, rare, and precious – the contrast between a wonderful freshness on the palate, underscored by the Extra Brut dosage, and the aromatic intensity of the finest vintages.

The R.D. cuvée is the result of Madame Bollinger’s grand vision. It was an innovative and spectacular cuvée for the time when the fashion was not for old Champagnes: an old vintage, recently disgorged and with an extra-brut dosage. Bollinger R.D. combines the boldness of a recent disgorgement with the brilliance of the 2004 vintage.

Assembly

An old vintage, recently disgorged and with a very low dosage: the embodiment of boldness

The assembly of this 2004 vintage is composed of 66% pinot noir and 34% chardonnay. It features 88% Grands Crus and 12% Premiers Crus. A total of 16 crus can be find in the blending. The fermentation is entirely in oak barrels. Only the greatest vintages can join the ranks of Bollinger R.D. The extremely long ageing period, over four times higher than stipulated by appellation regulations, endlessly transforms the aromas: this is wine alchemy. Bollinger R.D. is sold just a few months after being disgorged, with a very low dosage known as “extra brut”, 3 grams per litre. The recent disgorgement guarantees the remarkable freshness of the wine.

Sensations

Brilliant aromas, the vitality of youth

2004 was a generous and dazzling year. September was conducive to the slow and gradual ripening of the grapes in a perfect climate, allowing an intense aromatic expression to develop in the fruit.

To the eye

A brilliant, deep gold colour.

To the nose

Abundant stewed and candied fruits, accompanied by touches of sweet spice. With time, notes of mirabelle and preserved orange unfold in the glass.

On the palate

A grand generosity on the palate. Intense cooked fruit and tarte tatin flavours express themselves in a mouth that is full and harmonious.

Tasting recommendations

In order to showcase its unique style, we recommend serving Bollinger R.D. 2004 at a temperature of 8°C, then to appreciate the evolution of its aromas over the course of the tasting. To discover the freshness of recent disgorgement, Bollinger R.D. 2004 can be enjoyed in the year it was disgorged, or you may also choose to let it mature further: its potential for ageing is endless.

Scores

97 /100

"Highly elegant and complex on the weightless yet persistent and salty palate, this is an intense, densely woven, firmly structured yet elegant, beautifully refined and refreshing "recent disgorgement" that reveals just a kiss of oxidative flavors that adds even more complexity. A great Champagne on its way to improve over many years in the bottle."

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate
96 /100

"The wine's name stands for recently disgorged and this vintage Champagne was taken off its in 2018. That gave many years for it to develop its depth of flavor, richness and beautifully memorable toasty flavors."

Roger Voss - Winemag.com