Bollinger R. D. 1997 Extra Brut 1997

Bollinger / 1997 R.D. Extra Brut Champagne.
THE BEST THAT CHAMPAGNE AND THE PASSING OF TIME CAN OFFER.

This is the result of Madame Bollinger’s great vision: an expert wine with aromas enhanced by its exceptionally long maturation, it will last forever; James Bond’s favourite champagne.

R.D. (meaning Recently Disgorged) is exclusively produced with wines from the cuvée juice. The first fermentation of R.D. is always 100% carried out in oak barrels, which has become quite unique in Champagne. The Cru are fermented in small oak barrels (205, 225 and 410 litres), which enables a rigourous selection.

Bollinger only uses old barrels (5 years and more), in order to generate neither an oaky taste nor tannins. This method reinforces the aromatic complexity and the ageing potential of the wines. Once the wine is bottled, the carbonic fermantation and cellar ageing are conducted under natural cork. This enables a better protection against oxidation compared with a metal crown cap. This method, nowadays very seldom used in Champagne, is a guarantee of freshness. It allows the aromas to preserve all their bouquet.

R.D. ages in cellar for at least 8 years. After manual riddling and disgorging, the wine rests for a minimum of 3 months prior to shipment.

The 1997 R.D. opens with explosive aromatics that meld seamlessly into layers of ripe fruit. The signature slightly oxidative notes are there, but there is also more than enough fruit to provide terrific balance. This is an especially accessible, opulent R.D. that can be drunk young or cellared. The R.D. starts off as the same wine as the Grande Année but sees an extended period of aging on its lees prior to being disgorged. In 1997 the R.D. is 75% Pinot Noir and 25% Chardonnay. This bottle was disgorged on March 25, 2008. The 1997 is a great introduction to the R.D style, and a bottle that can be enjoyed while the 1995 and 1996 age.

Ratings: 94 Points - Wine Advocate #192 Dec 2010.

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