Bollinger RD 1996 Bollinger

Classification	Cru Classe
Type	Sparkling
Producer	Bollinger
Vintage	1996
Country	France
Region	Champagne
Grape	Pinot Noir, Chardonnay
Volume	0,75
Condition	Perfect
Label	Slightly damaged
Drinkable	-2020
Stock	0
Volume	0,75
Condition	In single OWC
Label	Perfect
Drinkable	-2038
Stock	2

Professional reviews

Robert Parker (96)

The 1996 R.D. from Bollinger is another superb wine from this vintage. An expressive bouquet of spices, acacia blossoms and perfumed fruit emerges from the wine’s silky-textured frame. This generous R.D. is drinking well today, but also has enough freshness to age well for years. It is a great version of one of Champagne’s legendary wines.

Winespectator (94)

A powerhouse. Big and sophisticated, combining lemon and grapefruit notes with candied fruits, roasted nuts and coffee. Fresh, dry and finely detailed, with finesse and a lingering finish driven by acidity.

Jancis Robinson (18.50)

Acidity takes more of the centre stage, compared with the 1995. Very clean, focused acidity – pretty forthright and evident. I’d give this another two to three years and expect the acidity to soften just a little. When that happens, this will be a spectacular, hard-to-beat champagne. But the flavours (albeit subtle) are so very Bollinger. (AWH)

BOW (9)

Wine Enthusiast (97)

The Bollinger R.D. (recently disgorged) is Bollinger's answer to a prestige cuvée. Keeping the wine long on its lees (this was disgorged in June 2006) yields a wine that is very much in the rich Bollinger style. This is a beautifully balanced wine, with acidity, intensity and structure in perfect harmony. It is still so young, and certainly could age for years.