Champagne Bollinger R.D. Extra Brut 2008 – THE 2008 VINTAGE IN THE VINEYARD

Only the very finest vintages are selected for Bollinger’s renowned R.D. range. R.D. stands for récemment dégorgé (“recently disgorged”), meaning the wine was disgorged only shortly before release—but only after spending an exceptionally long period aging on its lees.

The harvest began on September 15, 2008, and required great sensitivity and experience, as conditions varied significantly between grape varieties and vineyard sites. Ultimately, beautifully healthy and highly aromatic grapes were harvested. Ripeness levels were ideal, acidity was perfectly balanced, and the wines were rich in character: the Chardonnays vibrant and powerful, the Pinot Noirs expressive and harmonious.

It is no coincidence that 2008 is considered one of the greatest vintages in Champagne history.

Champagne Bollinger R.D. Extra Brut 2008 – A MIRACLE OF TIME

Aging is one of the five pillars of Bollinger’s winemaking philosophy. The finest vintages demand patience and perseverance. The extended time a wine spends on its lees allows its aromas to develop in a truly unique way. Yet it is a single moment—the moment of disgorgement, executed with absolute precision—that ultimately makes Bollinger R.D. what it is.

There are two ways to experience R.D. The first is to open it within a year after disgorgement, when the wine reveals complex fruit-driven aromas. The second requires several years—or even decades—of cellaring, during which the cuvée develops its full aromatic potential and the remarkable finesse that only a great vintage can achieve.

Champagne Bollinger R.D. Extra Brut 2008 – A MASTERPIECE

The balance of maturity, complexity, and freshness is the reason why Bollinger always disgorges R.D. in batches. More time on the lees allows for a gentle evolution from disgorgement to full expression, while preserving the distinctive character of the vintage. The result is extraordinary freshness combined with exceptional depth.

"A delicious bouquet with aromas of fine marzipan. Delicate notes of blossom honey, apricot, and freshly grated baguette accompany elegant hints of mandarin and other citrus fruits. On the palate, flavors of mirabelle plum and vineyard peach unfold alongside citrus notes, macadamia nuts, and toast. The finish seems almost endless. I cannot recall ever experiencing such a fine and creamy mousse on the palate."

71% Pinot Noir, 29% Chardonnay
12.5% Alcohol
Recommended drinking window: 2025–2050+

Champagne Bollinger R.D. 2008 – CRITICAL ACCLAIM

98+/100 Points – Robert Parker (Wine Advocate)

"When I tasted Bollinger’s brilliant Grande Année from this vintage, I found myself wondering just how good the 2008 Extra-Brut R.D. would be, as the style of the vintage seemed almost perfectly suited to this cuvée. Four years later, we have the answer: the wine is brilliant.

Recently disgorged, it is initially more restrained than the dramatic Grande Année was upon release, but it gradually unfolds in the glass with aromas of crisp orchard fruits, orange zest, freshly baked bread, subtle hints of Fino Sherry, wet stones, and macadamia nuts. Medium- to full-bodied, it possesses a deep core of fruit animated by racy acidity and a refined, pinpoint mousse, finishing bone dry.

Exceptionally harmonious and brimming with youthful energy, it is the finest R.D. of the decade and one that will richly reward additional bottle age. Stylistically, comparisons with the legendary 1996 are inevitable, though the 2008 is more complete and harmonious at release. These bottles were disgorged late last year with a dosage of three grams per liter."

99/100 Points – James Suckling

"Incredible aromas of sweet, unbaked shortcrust pastry with almonds. Then come dried apples, apricots, pineapple, and grilled fruit notes. Full-bodied. So vibrant and energetic, with sparkling acidity and creamy texture. Spicy, with early signs of maturity on the finish. A real treat.

Agile and expressive, showing ginger and exotic spices. A touch of savory complexity and salinity adds another dimension. Extraordinary character that immediately commands attention. Aged for 13 years and six months on the lees under cork. Three grams dosage. 71% Pinot Noir and 29% Chardonnay. Do not serve too cold. Drink or hold."

98/100 Points – Jeb Dunnuck

"The 2008 Champagne R.D. Extra Brut is striking, powerful, and wrapped in a finely mineral texture. Produced from 70% Pinot Noir and the remainder Chardonnay, with a dosage of 3 grams per liter, it displays a bright straw-gold color and a more mineral, noble profile.

The nose opens with aromas of toasted almonds, preserved Meyer lemon, saline broth, and vibrant fresh fruit. Tense and graceful, it possesses the richness expected of Bollinger while remaining remarkably focused, driven by electrifying mineral energy that carries through an extraordinarily long finish.

Delicious and persistent, it is a true showstopper. It still requires time for all its components to fully integrate, but this is a wine built for the ages. I expect this R.D. vintage will remain a benchmark for many years to come. If possible, cellar it and enjoy between 2026 and 2056."