Bollinger RD 2002
No further ink needs to be spilled on this Bollinger 2002 RD(disgorged 22 October 2013). This Tasting Team, instead, will comment on the significance of writings of certain links listed below, as really no other tasting notes other than the following direct extract from the Bollinger site on 2002RD should really be needed.The Bollinger site on 2002 RD says, ‘Bollinger R.D. 2002. Time, Rarity, Boldness. 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.’
2002 RD stands out for the prestigeous market these Months. First, 2002 is a good vintage first of all. Second, it embodies classic expressions of blending(60% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay; 12% ABV) and making. Third, late disgorgement points to lots of freshness and complexities. Delaying the disgorgement allows the wine to age in contact with the lees, sur lees aging, giving it those layers of subtle complexity one finds in great old Champagne while retaining the freshness and vigor one finds in younger fizz – the best of both worlds. This 2002 RD is more compressed, more composed and more complete looking Champagne. The lees have further strengthened an already powerful cuvée and it’s also more complex, although this is discreetly expressed for now. Really very few houses do late disgorgement these days. Decanter explains well:
http://www.decanter.com/wine-news/bollinger-rides-vintage-champagne-wave-with-rd-2002-release-29087/
Forbes continues the disgorgement discussion with clarity and simplicity.
http://www.forbes.com/sites/nickpassmore/2015/07/02/best-champagne-youve-never-heard-off-bollinger-rd-2002-375/#3c28daae491b
Tongue/cheek expressions from Matthew Jukes well capture the power of the fizz as a result of the RD. ‘It travels across the tongue like a powder-coated titanium lozenge rather than a broader, antique, galleon of years gone by.’ Detailed and interesting comparision of Bollinger 2002 RD and Salon 2002.
http://www.matthewjukes.com/2014/03/2002-salon-and-2002-bollinger-r-d-first-impressions-of-the-two-iconic-faces-of-champagne/
Other tastings and scores are as follows: JS99, W&S97, AG96, WS96
2002 Bollinger R.D. Extra Brut Champagne
SKU #116258999 points James Suckling
Super fresh, this is striking given the 10 years in the cellars; it has a fine citrus nose - plenty of lemon, grapefruit, yellow chalky notes, some lighter floral elements too. The palate is super dry (dosage at 3-4g) and there's a silky, sherbet-like texture, smooth, fine and long. The citrus flavours give way to the driving surging acidity, thunderous acidity, really driving and powerful. The finish twists very slowly through to light-toasted cashew fruit flavours, but lemon citrus prevails. This is thrilling Champagne. Disgorged 22nd October, 2013. Drink from 2016. (5/2014)
97 points Wine & Spirits
When we tasted the 2002 Grande Année in 2012, I scored it 95 points, impressed by its pale chalk power, its muscularity and the freshness it expressed as a ten-year-old wine. It had the scent of a sunny meadow. With two years of additional time on the lees and a lower dosage, the current R.D. version of that wine is more extreme. If you break it apart you might consider how the barrel-aged base wines from 23 crus intensify the structure, or how the acidity of the vintage has sustained the bright, buzzing freshness of the peach and apple flavors. The fruit seems to be wedded to rock, so strong is the chalk streak of limestone. And yet the resonance of the wine, subsuming any and all of those factors, brings it together in a sumptuous texture, making it a pleasure to drink even now. It’s more sensible, however, to wait. In ten years, this should begin to fulfill its promise, at the start of its prime. (12/2014)
96 points Vinous
Bollinger's 2002 R.D. is striking in its beauty. Silky and caressing on the palate, the 2002 impresses for its exceptional balance and harmony. In 2002 so many Champagnes are ripe and explosive in style, but the 2002 R.D. is quite restrained by comparison. Hints of apricot pit, smoke, almonds, spices and pears ring out on the super-finessed, inviting finish. The 2002 is going to be nearly impossible to resist in its youth, but it should also age impeccably. All the elements are in the right place. Dosage is 3-4 grams per liter. (AG) (11/2014)
96 points Wine Spectator
A racehorse of a Champagne, showing ample power in a sleek, harmonious package. This is structured by firm, steely acidity, seamlessly woven with concentrated layers of roast almond, crushed black raspberry, candied kumquat and ginger, fleur de sel and pastry flavors. Mouthwatering, with a lasting, spiced finish. Disgorged October 22, 2013. Drink now through 2030. (12/2014)
