Bollinger R.D. Magnum 1.5L

Bollinger R.D. is no ordinary vintage champagne — it is the result of a decision Madame Bollinger made in 1967 when she presented a 1952 vintage that had been disgorged only shortly before, with minimal extra-brut dosage. R.D. stands for "Récemment Dégorgé": The champagne spends an unusually long time on the lees before it is disgorged. The disgorgement date is noted on the label — a practice lived at Bollinger since 1952, revolutionary at the time.

Bollinger is located in Aÿ, in the heart of the best Pinot Noir vineyards in Champagne. Over 170 hectares of their own vineyards, 85% of which are Premier and Grand Crus, provide the backbone. The base wines mature in over 3,500 used wooden barrels — one of the few champagne houses that still consistently follows this path. This results in texture and aromatic depth that are palpable in the glass.

On the nose, the R.D. shows the typical Bollinger signature: toasted brioche, ripe mirabelle, a hint of walnut, and chalk. On the palate, dense, creamy perlage, taut acidity that feels fresh despite long aging — the contrast that Madame Bollinger once formulated as her goal. The finish is long, spicy, with a mineral aftertaste. Drinking temperature: 10–12 °C. The magnum bottle further slows down aging and emphasizes the structure. At the table, the R.D. pairs well with langoustine, white truffle, or aged Comté.