Bollinger, 1996 RD 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 1996 R.D. from Bollinger is another superb wine from this vintage. An expressive bouquet of spices, acacia blossoms and perfumed fruit emerges from the wine’s silky-textured frame. This generous R.D. is drinking well today, but also has enough freshness to age well for years. It is a great version of one of Champagne’s legendary wines.

96 Points - Wine Advocate Mar 2009.