The 2008 Bollinger R.D. is a Champagne blend that has garnered exceptional reviews from multiple professional reviewers. This offering from Bollinger, a respected producer in the Champagne region of France, is primarily composed of 71% Pinot Noir and 29% Chardonnay. Disgorged in late 2022, the wine has a dosage of 3 grams per liter.
James Suckling gave the wine an outstanding score of 99, describing it as having "amazing aromas of sweet uncooked pie crust with almonds," along with notes of "dried apples, apricots, and pineapple." He also noted its "sizzling acidity and creamy tannins," calling it "tangy and energetic" with an "extreme character that grabs your attention."
Decanter awarded the wine a score of 97, highlighting its "bright colour with gold reflections" and a complex aromatic profile that includes "marzipan, acacia, apricot, and patisserie." The review praised its balance between youthful vigor and mature complexity, noting the presence of "dried fruits, bergamot, lime, and hazelnut notes," which culminate in a "clean, almost chalky finish."
Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate gave it a near-perfect score of 98+, describing it as "more reserved out of the gates" compared to Bollinger’s Grande Année. The review mentioned notes of "crisp orchard fruit, orange peel, freshly baked bread, and macadamia nut," and praised its "deep core of fruit" and "bone-dry finish."
Vinous rated the wine 96, noting its "powerful, vinous" qualities and flavors of "apricot, dried pear, tangerine oil, hazelnut, dried flowers, chamomile, and brioche." The wine was described as having "notable depth and textural intensity."
Wine Spectator also rated it 97, describing it as "focused Champagne" with "steely acidity" softened by a "fine, plush mousse." The review highlighted flavors of "toasted hazelnut, crystallized honey, peach skin, and nectarine," accented by "ground ginger, oyster shell, preserved lemon, and a racy streak of salinity."
The Wine Independent and Jeb Dunnuck both awarded the wine 98 points. The Wine Independent called it "full of life and magic," with a "super fine, creamy mousse" and "chalky finish," while Jeb Dunnuck praised its "chiseled, powerful" nature and "chalky mineral texture," describing it as a wine "to cellar for the ages."
Overall, the 2008 Bollinger R.D. is a highly acclaimed Champagne, noted for its complexity, balance, and potential for aging.