In the mid-1960s, while most Champagne Houses were developing uniquely shaped bottles, Bollinger decided to concentrate on its signature taste. Although old vintages were not fashionable in 1967, Madame Bollinger was bold as ever. True to her pioneering spirit, she had the daring idea of marketing the 1952 vintage that had recently been disgorged and dosed as an Extra Brut. This was the vision she championed: the absolute prestige of Bollinger lay in the wine itself, not in its vessel. In doing so, Madame Bollinger created a completely original tasting experience: the aromatic intensity of the finest vintages, contrasted with a wonderful freshness on the palate. This freshness is due to the natural acidity of the grapes during harvest, and is underscored by the Extra Brut dosage. It was a revolution that would have a lasting impact on the Bollinger style, as well as the world of champagne as a whole. This vintage bore the name of the cuvée for the very first time. It would be known as Bollinger R.D. and its label was the first ever to specify a disgorgement date. Bollinger R.D. 2007 is now adorned with the same legendary gold label in its original material and font and displaying the disgorgement date.
 
Whilst 2007 did not originally look to be a promising vintage, with a cool wet August that felt more like November, many now consider the vintage to be highly underrated. The sun returned at the beginning of September and drier North winds saved the day, at least for those who delayed picking until mid-Sept. which particularly benefited the Pinot-Noir-led houses.
 
Crafted from a blend of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay from 14 crus, including 91% Grand Crus and 9% Premier Crus, the wine offers freshness and an extraordinary intensity due to its recent disgorgement, as well as the aromas of an old vintage which has been aged for more than 13 years in the heart of the Bollinger cellars in Aÿ. Only the very best vintages are elevated to R.D. status by Bollinger.

Technical Info from Bollinger:
 
Blend of the 2007 vintage: 70% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay.
14 crus: 91% Grands crus and 9% Premiers crus.
Fermentation entirely in oak barrels.
Only the very best vintages are elevated to the level of Bollinger R.D.: the 2007 vintage is characterised by remarkable precision and energy.
Maturation: A very long maturation, more than four times longer than required by the appellation, for an infinite array of flavours: a true wine alchemy. Maturation carried out under natural cork.
Dosage: Very low. “Extra Brut”, 3 grams per litre.
 
Tasting info from Bollinger:
 
To the eye: Intense shimmers of gold.
To the nose: Complex on the nose with aromas of honey and brioche. This is followed by a host of spices (ginger, cumin, caraway and more), before evolving into notes of mirabelle plum, dried apricot and fresh hazelnut.
On the palate: A lively and clean opening that reveals notes of white plum, walnut and aniseed. Its freshness is beautiful and its tension incredible.

N.B. This wine is Duty Paid, so can only be purchased including VAT, unless it is shipped out of the UK. Please email info@cellarselect.co.uk if you would like to discuss.