Bollinger R.D Champagne 2004

Robert ParkerFermented in oak barrels and aged under natural corks for almost 13 years, Bollinger's 2004 R. D. Extra Brut blends 66% Pinot Noir with 34% Chardonnay from 16 crus, 88% of which are classified as Grand Cru. The wine opens with a very clear, deep, rich and aromatic but also pure and mineral-fresh nose of crushed rocks, cherries, brioche, pain aux raisin, white nougat, chalk and ripe, yellow-fleshed fruits. 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" (February 2018) 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. Tasted June 2018.

VinousBollinger’s 2004 R.D., tasted from magnum, is all class. Silky and understated, the R.D is super-expressive and inviting today. In 2004, the R.D. is decidedly light on its feet and more perfumed than tends to be the norm at Bollinger. Candied lemon peel, mint, apricot, pastry and yellow fruits are all laced together in a Champagne that delivers the goods. The 2004 is 66% Pinot Noir and 34% Chardonnay picked between September 25 and October 8. Disgorged: November 21, 2017.

James SucklingA superb moment for this late-disgorged vintage Champagne. All the complexity and fruit are here, in the right proportions, on the nose and palate. Grilled peaches, grapefruit, lemons, hazelnuts, espresso and more. Super long, majestic and so rewardingly complex. Drink now.

Jeb DunnuckThe 2004 Champagne R.D. Extra Brut is amplified and offers a distillation of the bold hallmark traits of the house. It is composed of 66% Pinot Noir and the rest Chardonnay. Pouring a ripe golden hue, it is rich and expressive with floral vanilla bean, plum, toasted brioche, white flowers, and espresso. The palate is luxurious and long, with powerful concentration and smoke that lingers long on the finish. As it opens, the nose evolves into more savory aromas. including broth and saline earth. Full and assertive, this is showing well now. Drink over the next 15 or so years. Disgorged on February 21, 2018.

Bollinger Champagne blev grundlagt i 1829 og er siden blevet et af de mest respekterede symboler på kvalitet, luksus og livet i overhalingsbanen, og husets track-record for konstant topkvalitet er fuldstændig uden sidestykke. 

Bollinger er desuden den fremmeste eksponent for Pinot Noir- druen i Champagne, og druen danner rygraden i Bollinger-stilen, som er sofistikeret, elegant og kompleks. De fleste af husets vine indeholder ca. 2/3 Pinot Noir, hvorfor Bollinger-vinene er kraftigere end alle andre champagner og er et af de sikreste valg, når det handler om Pinot Noir-druen i champagne.

Kontinuitet i stilen er sikret af en enestående samling af over 800.000 reservemagnums, hvilket gør Bollinger til det eneste champagnehus med en så bred og præcis palet af aromaer i deres blandinger. Som en garanti for suveræn kvalitet, vinificeres de bedste crus i lagrede træfade, og Champagnehuset lader sine vine modne dobbelt så længe som appellationskravet. Det gør de, fordi en god vin har brug for tid til at udvikle sin fulde karakter.

Selve vingården dækker hele 179 hektar, hvoraf de fleste er klassificeret som Grand eller Premier cru.