Champagne, FranceFrom the cellar. In 1967, Bollinger released R.D. 1952, the first of the Recently Disgorged champagnes, and the first labels to show the disgorge date. Since that time, and up to today, a portion of La Grande Année has been kept in the cellars for a later disgorge, after up to 20 years on the lees (this bottle obviously less). Though showing obvious age, with tertiary autolytics, plus maillard reaction caramelization, the 2002 RD has worn very, very well. It's 60/40 pinot noir / chardonnay was sourced from 23 Crus (all GC or 1er Cru), and was disgorged with 3-4 g/L, most likely in 2014, or 2017. Brioche, fresh and baked apple, toast, bruléed lemon curd, meringue are woven through the palate, with a fine, long beam of citrus acidity taking this to the lingering finish. Still powerful, no longer showy, but subtly wearing its age as an honour badge. Still a special sip.Tasted: 28 February 2026Tasted by: Prices:
Champagne, FranceFrom the cellar. In 1967, Bollinger released R.D. 1952, the first of the Recently Disgorged champagnes, and the first labels to show the disgorge date. Since that time, and up to today, a portion of La Grande Année has been kept in the cellars for a later disgorge, after up to 20 years on the lees. Though showing obvious age, with tertiary autolytics, plus ample maillard reaction caramelization, the 2002 RD has worn very, very well. It's 60/40 pinot noir / chardonnay was sourced from 23 Crus (all GC or 1er Cru), and was disgorged with 3-4 g/L. This was a pristine bottle, showing no oxidation, and great purity, opening with subtle burnished lemon curd, patisserie, apricot fuzz, and yellow plum on the nose before carrying into cushy meringue and roasted hazelnut on the deep palate. Though the mousse is gentle, the driving acidity and chalky buzz underneath is driving and persistent, carrying this at least half a minute on the palate after the last drop finishes. A stunner, still now, and with time yet ahead. Pricing below is for the 2007 / 2008 RD currently in market.Tasted: 13 July 2024Tasted by: Prices:
Champagne, FranceWaiting for my glass to arrive at the tasting, I thought what could go wrong? The 2002 vintage is first rate, R.D. is always an experience and Bollinger never really ever screws it up. Guess what, this wine is the Holy Grail. I suppose it's why I taste so much ordinary wine; I constantly hope that someday it will all end up like this. Okay, dreaming aside, this is a fabulous bottle of bubble. Rich and creamy, bursting with acidity that propels the nutty nuanced brioche and mineral, honeyed palate to another level. Long, persistent, entertaining and brimming with weight and intensity it still walks a fine line of acidity and tightness that makes it electric on the palate. So long on the lees, it is now a history lesson in 2002 champagne. Beg, borrow (maybe not steal) the money but buy a bottle and experience one of the great mysteries of wine. The details are: 60/40 pinot noir/chardonnay; 23 crus: 71% Grand Crus, 29% Premier Cru; the dosage is a very low: 3 to 4 grams per liter or Extra Brut.Tasted: 27 July 2016Tasted by: Prices:
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