The 2002 Bollinger R.D. is a Champagne Blend comprising 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay. This particular vintage spent over a decade in the cellars before being disgorged in October 2013. The wine’s alcohol content is 12.0%, and it is sealed with a cork.

James Suckling, awarding it a near-perfect score of 99, calls out its remarkable freshness despite its age. He notes its "fine citrus nose with plenty of lemons, grapefruit and yellow chalky notes," and describes the palate as "super dry," with a dosage of 3-4 grams. He praises its "silky, sherbet-like texture" and its long finish featuring "lightly toasted cashew nuts mingled with complex fruit and citrus flavors" (jamessuckling.com, 10/7/2016).

Jancis Robinson also gives the wine high marks, scoring it 96. She highlights the wine's composition from 23 crus, with 71% being Grands Crus. Robinson describes it as having a "very firm, savoury nose with Bollinger's trademark fungi," and notes its "excellent acidity and lift on the palate." She emphasizes its weight and maturity, stating it "does not taste heavy" and has become "a bit mellower and more open" over time (Jancis Robinson’s Purple Pages, 9/18/2014).

John Gilman, who scored the wine 95, calls it "one of the most beautiful young vintages of R.D." He praises its "pure, full-bodied and generous" palate, noting flavors of "apple, peach, patissière, a touch of hazelnut," and "beautifully complex soil tones." Gilman believes the wine has the balance to age gracefully over time (View From The Cellar, 9/1/2016).

Wine Spectator also scored it 96, describing it as "impeccably balanced" with a "mouthwatering palate of crème de cassis, toasted brioche, fleur de sel and crystallized honey flavors." The review highlights its "rich, smoky underpinning" and fine bead, noting it is suitable for drinking now through 2030 (Wine Spectator, 8/26/2015).

Other reviewers, such as Robert Parker's Wine Advocate and Decanter, also provided favorable scores of 95 and 94, respectively. William Kelley of Robert Parker's Wine Advocate notes some bottle variation but praises its "deep bouquet of dried fruits, orange zest, mocha, spices, English walnuts and hazelnuts," calling it "full-bodied, broad and enveloping" (Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 8/18/2022). Decanter highlights its "very fresh" character alongside notes of "coffee and toast" and commends its "lively and crisp" texture (Decanter, 4/28/2021).

Overall, the 2002 Bollinger R.D. is highly regarded for its complexity, balance, and aging potential, receiving consistently excellent reviews across the board.