Bollinger R.D. 2002 – Second Tranche: New Release

 

This is the second tranche release of R.D. 2002 namely recently disgorged was disgorged in Oct 2014. Left on the lees for 11 and a half years, this renowned vintage has been able to mature and allow the flavours to become more complex over time.

Bollinger R.D. 2002 is the created from the same wine that was bottled originally for La Grande Année 2002 which was left on the lees for seven years and disgorged in July 2010. However, Bollinger save a small portion of the bottles whilst on the lees ready for the R.D. in years to come. The extended ageing and further breakdown of the lees known as autolysis contributes to the ageing of the wine being slower. The 2002 vintage is considered one of the best vintages from the past 20 years, combination of large volume with an intense ripeness of fruits with near perfect weather conditions for the vineyards.

The concept behind Bollinger R.D. originated in 1961 when Madame Bollinger decided she wanted to leave special vintages on the lees for an extra long period of time before disgorgement. The release of the 1952 vintage in 1961 started a new idea with the Champagne region, which has now been followed by other recently disgorged Champagnes, such as Dom Pérignon Oenotheque 1996  and Veuve Clicquot Cave Privée 1990 which are later release of extraordinary vintages.

The picture below shows Bollinger R.D. 1964 which was disgorged in May 1973, some 9 years later.