Bollinger Champagne R.D. Extra Brut 2002 750ml

Name: Bollinger Champagne R.D. Extra Brut 2002 750ml
Brand: Bollinger
SKU: 883352
Price: 240.33 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 99 (6 reviews)

size

750ml

country

France

region

Champagne

6 Ratings

See 6 Professional Reviews

Additional vintages

2008 2007 2004 2002 1999 1997 1996 1990 1988

Rated 99 by James Suckling

It's striking that is as fresh as it is given the ten years in the cellars. It has a fine citrus nose with plenty of lemons, grapefruit and yellow chalky notes, not to mention some lighter floral elements. The palate is super dry (dosage at 3-4g), and there's a silky, sherbet-like texture that makes this smooth fine and long. The citrus flavors give way to the surging acidity and the finish twists very slowly through to lightly toasted cashew nuts mingled with complex fruit and citrus flavors. Disgorged October 22, 2013. ... More details

Bollinger Champagne R.D. Extra Brut 2002 750ml

Rated 99 by James Suckling

Rated 96 by Decanter

The sheer energy, bold complexity and shimmering minerality of La Grande Année 2002 finds even greater focus and honed definition with half the dosage and another few years on lees. One of Champagne’s youngest late-disgorged releases, it begs for another decade for its full magnificence to emerge.

Rated 96 by Wine Spectator

A fine example of power married to elegance, this is impeccably balanced, with a mouthwatering palate of crème de cassis, toasted brioche, fleur de sel and crystallized honey flavors. The rich, smoky underpinning is carried on a finely detailed bead. Disgorged March 2014. Drink now through 2030. 200 cases imported.

Rated 96 by Jeb Dunnuck

A wine that really needs time in the glass to show at its best, Bollinger’s 2002 RD comes from a total 23 different crus (71% being Grand Cru) and is a 60/40 split of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Disgorged in 2013 after spending 11 years in bottle, it offers a dry, savory style that quickly morphs toward more stone fruits, toasted nuts, dried earth and exotic spices. Deep, pure, and incredibly chiseled on the palate, with a gorgeous texture and great finish, this is a Champagne I’d decant if drinking anytime soon. The dosage is in the 3-4 grams range, and while it’s certainly on the dry/savory end of the spectrum, it offers incredible complexity and depth.

Rated 95 by Vinous Media

The most remarkable thing about the 2002 Extra Brut R.D. is how tense and structured it is. Despite having been disgorged over two years ago, the 2002 is very much tightly wound. After several hours, the power and resonance of the vintage start to come through, along with the natural richness of Pinot from Aÿ. Whereas most 2002 Champagnes are quite ripe in profile, the 2002 R.D. has plenty of depth, but it is depth through concentration as opposed to elevated ripeness. The low dosage style further adds to that sensation. Hints of chamomile, sage, dried flower and red fruits emerge over time, but only with reluctance. I would prefer to cellar the 2002 for at least a few years. If that is not possible, readers should open the wine at least a few hours in advance. Even so, the 2002's best drinking lies somewhere in the future. My sense is that the 2002 will be at its best between the ages of 20 and 30. Disgorged: September 11, 2015.

Rated 92 by Wine Advocate

Big names do not help if you are not familiar with a certain house style, and so I can understand everyone who dislikes Bollinger's 2002 RD Extra Brut, which at first sight reveals a matured if not an old wine displaying toffee, floral (hyacinths, narcissus, sage), vegetal and spicy aromas (oak, cannabis, frankincense, black bread) -- but almost no fruit (at least no fresh fruit). This wine was disgorged in March 2014, but just needs a lot of time in the glass to develop its complexity. On the palate this is a very pure, fresh, lively, firmly structured and almost ascetic wine with complexity, but almost no sensuality. Very distinctive style.

WNR

Winery

Abundant stewed and candied fruits on the nose, accompanied by touches of sweet spice. With time, notes of Mirabelle and preserved orange unfold in the glass. Rich and generous on the palate, with tarte tatin flavors and a full and harmonious mouthfeel. It marries perfectly with the most refined dishes, such as pigeon or roasted scallops, and intensity makes it the perfect partner for an aged Comté. – CELLAR MASTER GILLES DESCOTES

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Bollinger Champagne R.D. Extra Brut 2002 750ml

SKU 883352

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Long-term Pre-Arrival

$720.99

/case

$240.33

/750ml bottle

Quantity

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Professional Ratings

Rated 99 by James Suckling

Rated 96 by Decanter

Rated 96 by Wine Spectator

Rated 96 by Jeb Dunnuck

Rated 95 by Vinous Media

Rated 92 by Wine Advocate

Winery

Product Details

size

750ml

country

France

region

Champagne

Additional vintages

2008 2007 2004 2002 1999 1997 1996 1990 1988

Overview

Varietal: Champagne Blend

The careful blending of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir varietal grapes has long been the secret to the success of the famous sparkling wines of the Champagne region. The wines of this region have gone down in history as the finest example of France's sparkling produce, and the methods of processing the grapes in this region have been imitated in almost every wine producing country in the world. There are actually seven different grape varietals allowed to be included in a Champagne sparkling wine, although grape varietals such as Pinot Blanc, Arbanne and Pinot Gris are used less and less commonly in its production. Whilst the Chardonnay varietal grapes offer their distinctive biscuit flavor and wonderful astringency, it is the Pinot Noir grapes (most commonly used for producing beautifully light red wines) which give the Champagne wines their length and backbone.

Region: Champagne

The region of Champagne in the north-easterly part of France has, for hundreds of years, been known for the production of high quality, elegant and characterful sparkling white wines. Champagne wines continue to dominate the market for sparkling wines, and are the envy of many countries, with plenty of producers attempting to emulate their unique practices. The chalky, mineral-rich soils of this high altitude region are ideal for growing the Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Petit Meunier varietal grapevines which cover the region and are usually blended together in the production of Champagne wine. The climate of Champagne is far cooler than other famous wine regions in France, but the wineries which are found all over the area have generations of expertise, and have no problems in producing vast quantities of their famous produce for the world market.

Country: France

It is widely understood and accepted that the finest wines in the world come out of France. Whether you are drinking a vintage bottle from one of the famed Grand Cru wineries of Bordeaux - such as Chateau Margaux or Chateau Lafite-Rothschild - or a more simple and affordable bottle from one of the lesser known appellations in Burgundy, the likelihood is that the wine is packed full of intense and interesting flavors, and has a fine, balanced structure typical of almost all French produce. This reputation for excellence is taken extremely serious by the French, with dozens of regularly updated laws and regulations ensuring the quality and accurate labeling of wines. Such dedication and passion for fine wine, representative of the region in which it is produced, means customers can be assured that when they buy a bottle from France, they are buying something almost certain to please and delight.

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