Description
Bollinger R.D. 2008 Gift Box 750ml is an extra brut vintage Champagne from Bollinger in Aÿ, France, and it comes in a gift box. R.D. stands for récemment dégorgé, or recently disgorged: the wine ages for a long period on its lees and is released soon after disgorgement, finished with a dosage of just 3 grams per litre. The 2008 is led by Pinot Noir with Chardonnay, from 18 crus.
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Serve it around 12 degrees, warmer than most Champagne, in a large white wine glass, and let it evolve for a while once poured. Reviewers note that it gains from aeration. A dish of scallops with hazelnut is a classic suggestion, and a simple roast poultry with a nut stuffing also suits its depth.
- 2008 vintage extra brut Champagne from Aÿ, France
- Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from 18 crus
- Dosage of 3 grams per litre, comes in a gift box
The Pinot Noir comes from Aÿ and Verzenay, and the Chardonnay from Le Mesnil-sur-Oger and Cramant. Fermentation takes place in oak barrels, in keeping with the house style Bollinger has followed since its founding in Aÿ in 1829. The idea behind R.D. is straightforward: a wine that has spent years in contact with its lees keeps a freshness at release, because disgorgement is held back until shortly before it reaches the market.
Very low dosage leaves the wine nowhere to hide, and the house saves the R.D. treatment for exceptional years. The 2008 harvest fits the wine’s chiselled, mineral style, and reviewers describe a phenolic grip from the Pinot Noir with a chalky texture beneath it. Drunk soon after disgorgement the wine shows bright, complex aromas, and with further bottle age it is expected to take on additional depth.
Almond paste, apricot, honey and bread crust mingle with fresh bergamot and hazelnut on the nose. Mirabelle plum, vineyard peach and citrus follow on a deep, textured palate, ending long and saline with a touch of fresh hazelnut.
This is a wine for an experienced Champagne drinker who wants to see long lees ageing at close range, and who will give it the time and glass it asks for.
