Personal advice
This bottle, perfect in both fill level and colour, was disgorged on 12.09.1989 with 4 g/l dosage. The 75% Pinot Noir and 25% Chardonnay have, after years of maturation, developed into a complex harmony of aromas that unfold over hours, constantly revealing new layers and nuances.
1979 is today the best R.D., just ahead of 1988. Well-preserved magnums of R.D. 1973 are also on this level. The aromatics are stunning: immediately present are nougat, hazelnut, chocolate, orange peel, dried apricot, lemon, freshly ground coffee, and smoky gunpowder. Over hours, ever new nuances can be discovered. The palate is very full. Particularly striking is the mineral freshness that gives the palate tension all the way through to the long finish. R.D. 1979 is one of those Champagnes that leave a deep and lasting impression. Never has the powerful, structured Bollinger style been interpreted with greater elegance and seductiveness.
Bollinger R.D. 1979 is at its peak. The bottle offered by Alfavin is in perfect condition, with an unusually light colour for its age, and will provide drinking pleasure for another ten to fifteen years. The ideal time, of course, depends on personal preference. Today, the fruity elements are still an important part of the aromatic palette. In the future, the nutty aromas will become increasingly dominant. The perlage will also diminish, and the wine will take on an ever more vinous character.
The 1979 vintage is regarded as great. As so often, this view is somewhat too generalised. The harvest was very late, in the first and second weeks of October. Only the best vineyards with old vines and good sun exposure produced ripe grapes at harvest time. 1979 shares with 2008 and 1988 the characteristic of a long growing season. The summer brought moderate temperatures. Other great years, such as 1975 and 1976, were hot, leading to earlier ripening. Aromatically, the cooler years are even more complex. However, 1979, due to regular rainfall under good growing conditions, produced high yields. When many grapes hang on the vine, the plant needs longer to achieve full ripeness. Full ripeness means that the phenolics in the grape skins are mature. Many 1979 Champagnes have unripe, vegetal aromas. Especially in Pinot Noir, aromas of raw mushrooms appear. Furthermore, many 1979 Champagnes are thin and acidic.
A glance at the Alfavin cellar
A glance at the Alfavin cellar
A glance at the Alfavin Cellar