BollingerR.D.2004Magnum

Champagne Bollinger owns an impressive 178 hectares of vineyards, of which 85% are in Grand Cru and Premier Cru villages. Their land is spread over seven main villages: Aÿ, Avenay, Louvois, Tauxières and Verzenay planted with Pinot Noir; Cuis with Chardonnay; and Champvoisy with Meunier. Bollinger are one of the few Houses to produce the majority of their own grapes for their blends. Pinot Noir represents 60% of the House’s vineyards and defines the House style: complex and powerful with remarkable structure. In 2012 Champagne Bollinger was certified High Environment Value (HEV) this certification rewards a number of environmental procedures implemented at the Maison.rrMadame Bollinger created the first vintage of this now legendary prestige cuvée in 1961 with the launch of R.D. 1952. An acronym for Recently Disgorged, Bollinger R.D. is the result of Madame Bollinger’s great vision: an expert wine with aromas enhanced by its exceptionally long maturation in the Bollinger family cellars â€?more than three times longer than required.rrWeather: The 2004 vintage saw an initial winter of mild temperatures with intermittent storms and hail. The spring and summer months were hot and sunny and the sugar levels late in September produced good quality fruits, especially for the Pinot Noir grapes. A huge harvest in general for the region. Overall many experts believe that 2004 is one of the greatest vintages of the last two decades.rrTechnical Information:rVineyards: 16 Crus â€?88% Grand Cru, 12% Premier CrurGrape Varieties: 66% Pinot Noir, 34% ChardonnayrAgeing: 11 years on the leesrDisgorged: November 2017rDosage: 3 g/lrDrink: Now to 2028rrTasting Note: A pale gold with a stunning nose of pears, apples and hints of lemon.A wonderful freshness on the palate combines with caramel, honey and toasted brioche. A finely balanced acidity compliments a creamy mousse texture and right through to the finishthere is underlying chocolate and hazelnut characters. A stunning champagne from a very giving year.