Personal advice
Bollinger La Grande Année 2008 and R.D. 2008 are among the most exceptional Champagnes of recent decades. Both are based on the same blend: 71% Pinot Noir and 29% Chardonnay.
The decisive difference: R.D. spends 5–6 years longer on the lees. This is particularly evident in the second batch (disgorged October 2024), where the long lees ageing imparts complex nutty aromas and a silky palate. The first drinking window is open now – but it will close somewhat again over the next few years.
Both Champagnes are made from the same base wines from Bollinger's finest vineyards. However, R.D. spends 3–6 years longer on the lees and is only released when it is already in a good drinking window.
The idea for R.D. originated in 1959: Jules Wile, the US importer, suggested to Lily Bollinger that a batch of the 1952 vintage be left longer on the lees to develop mature notes while preserving freshness. In 1967 she released the 1952 as “R.D. – récemment dégorgé”.
The long lees ageing produces complex aromas: first brioche and yeast notes, later roasted tones (coffee, nuts), earthy nuances (truffle) and a silky texture. The dosage is significantly lower in R.D. → it appears slimmer, less fruity, but gains fullness and elegance over time.
La Grande Année offers more body and fruit, while R.D. is finer, more subtle – and drinkable earlier. Neither is “better” than the other – they are two different expressions of the same outstanding vintage.
R.D. 2008 is currently in an excellent first drinking window. Until around 2027 it will close up a little – the fruit will recede and the acidity and structure will become more prominent.
In the structured, acidity-driven 2008 vintage, the second great drinking window is expected to open in the mid to late 2030s. Thanks to excellent structure and the quality of the vintage, it should provide drinking pleasure well into the 2060s and beyond.
The base wines for both R.D. and La Grande Année 2008 consist of 71% Pinot Noir and 29% Chardonnay.
Key Pinot Noir vineyards:
Chardonnay vineyards: Avize, Chouilly, Cramant, Oger, Cuis, Grauves – classic, mineral-rich Côte des Blancs sites.
Aÿ, Bouzy and Mareuil-sur-Aÿ are among the warmest and most full-bodied terroirs in Champagne – famous for powerful yet refined red wines long before the Champagne era.
The R.D. 2008 Extra Brut is already an absolute delight. Intense aromas of roasted nuts, almonds, honey, mirabelle, apricot, gingerbread and a saline minerality dominate the first impression.
With a little air, vineyard peach, lemon and orange zest emerge on the palate, perfectly complementing the nutty roasted notes. It already leaves a deep sense of satisfaction and elegance – and has enormous potential ahead.
Experience with similar vintages tells us: the pronounced acidity and yeasty mousse will integrate perfectly into a silky, creamy palate over the coming years. Aromas of nougat, gianduja, dried apricots and roasted coffee will become even more expressive.
→ Community Ratings & Tasting Notes for R.D. 2008
A glance at the Alfavin cellar
A glance at the Alfavin cellar
A glance at the Alfavin Cellar
Bollinger La Grande Année 2008 and R.D. 2008 are among the most exceptional Champagnes of recent decades. Both are based on the same blend: 71% Pinot Noir and 29% Chardonnay.
The decisive difference: R.D. spends 5–6 years longer on the lees. This is particularly evident in the second batch (disgorged October 2024), where the long lees ageing imparts complex nutty aromas and a silky palate. The first drinking window is open now – but it will close somewhat again over the next few years.
Both Champagnes are made from the same base wines from Bollinger's finest vineyards. However, R.D. spends 3–6 years longer on the lees and is only released when it is already in a good drinking window.
The idea for R.D. originated in 1959: Jules Wile, the US importer, suggested to Lily Bollinger that a batch of the 1952 vintage be left longer on the lees to develop mature notes while preserving freshness. In 1967 she released the 1952 as “R.D. – récemment dégorgé”.
The long lees ageing produces complex aromas: first brioche and yeast notes, later roasted tones (coffee, nuts), earthy nuances (truffle) and a silky texture. The dosage is significantly lower in R.D. → it appears slimmer, less fruity, but gains fullness and elegance over time.
La Grande Année offers more body and fruit, while R.D. is finer, more subtle – and drinkable earlier. Neither is “better” than the other – they are two different expressions of the same outstanding vintage.
R.D. 2008 is currently in an excellent first drinking window. Until around 2027 it will close up a little – the fruit will recede and the acidity and structure will become more prominent.
In the structured, acidity-driven 2008 vintage, the second great drinking window is expected to open in the mid to late 2030s. Thanks to excellent structure and the quality of the vintage, it should provide drinking pleasure well into the 2060s and beyond.
The base wines for both R.D. and La Grande Année 2008 consist of 71% Pinot Noir and 29% Chardonnay.
Key Pinot Noir vineyards:
Chardonnay vineyards: Avize, Chouilly, Cramant, Oger, Cuis, Grauves – classic, mineral-rich Côte des Blancs sites.
Aÿ, Bouzy and Mareuil-sur-Aÿ are among the warmest and most full-bodied terroirs in Champagne – famous for powerful yet refined red wines long before the Champagne era.
The R.D. 2008 Extra Brut is already an absolute delight. Intense aromas of roasted nuts, almonds, honey, mirabelle, apricot, gingerbread and a saline minerality dominate the first impression.
With a little air, vineyard peach, lemon and orange zest emerge on the palate, perfectly complementing the nutty roasted notes. It already leaves a deep sense of satisfaction and elegance – and has enormous potential ahead.
Experience with similar vintages tells us: the pronounced acidity and yeasty mousse will integrate perfectly into a silky, creamy palate over the coming years. Aromas of nougat, gianduja, dried apricots and roasted coffee will become even more expressive.
→ Community Ratings & Tasting Notes for R.D. 2008
12.5
Champagne
Pinot Noir & Chardonnay
Sulphites
France
Champagne Bollinger, 16 Rue Jules Lobet, 51160 Ay, France