2008 Bollinger R.D. Extra Brut 750ml Wooden Gift Box

Original Wooden Gift Box

Overview

Bollinger R.D. — “Recently Disgorged” — is built around a distinctive idea conceived by Madame Bollinger: an exceptional mature vintage, aged for an extended period and disgorged shortly before release with a very low dosage. This combination brings together the complexity of long maturation with remarkable freshness and precision.

The 2008 vintage is composed of 71% Pinot Noir and 29% Chardonnay from 18 crus. Pinot Noir is sourced principally from Aÿ and Verzenay, while Chardonnay comes mainly from Le Mesnil-sur-Oger and Cramant. The wine is fermented entirely in oak barrels and released with an Extra Brut dosage of just 3g/L.

Vintage

Maison Bollinger describes 2008 as an exceptional vintage marked by remarkable precision and opulence. Cool and unsettled conditions persisted through much of the growing season before sunshine returned in time for harvest. Chardonnay showed liveliness and power, while Pinot Noir displayed character and balance.

Winemaking

The blend comprises 71% Pinot Noir and 29% Chardonnay from 18 crus. Fermentation takes place entirely in oak barrels. Following exceptionally long maturation, R.D. is disgorged only shortly before release, with a dosage of 3g/L, preserving freshness while retaining the depth and complexity developed through ageing.

Producer Tasting Notes

APPEARANCE
“A wine glimmering with golden reflections.”

NOSE
“Enticing aromas of marzipan, stewed apricots, honey and breadcrumbs accompany fresh notes of bergamot.”

PALATE
“A rich, precise mousse. Citrus notes are followed by flavours of Mirabelle plums and vine peaches. … Notes of fresh hazelnuts and salinity combine to create an intense, everlasting finish.”

Critic Reviews

100/100 — Ian D'Agata Wine Review
Tasted September 2025

98/100 — Robert Parker The Wine Advocate
Tasted March 2023

98/100 — The Wine Independent
Tasted November 2023

98/100 — Winepilot
Tasted July 2023
“This is a wine of complexity, power, class, richness, harmony, persistence and more – all hallmarks of great Bollinger champagnes.”

97/100 — La Tulipe Rouge
Tasted January 2024
“This masterpiece … exudes aromas of cocoa, black cherry, hazelnut, fruit paste, tobacco...”

Awards

2 Stars — Le Guide Hachette des Vins
2008 Vintage — Awarded 2024

Producer

The R.D. concept originated with Madame Bollinger. In the early 1960s, rather than creating a conventional prestige cuvée, she pursued the idea of releasing an older vintage shortly after disgorgement and with an Extra Brut dosage. The initials R.D., meaning “Recently Disgorged”, were formally adopted in 1967 and have since become one of Bollinger's most distinctive expressions.

Specifications

• Vintage: 2008
• Producer: Champagne Bollinger
• Country: France
• Region: Champagne
• Appellation: Champagne
• Grape Variety: 71% Pinot Noir, 29% Chardonnay
• Crus: 18 crus
• Wine Style: Sparkling Wine
• Method: Traditional Method
• Sweetness: Extra Brut
• Dosage: 3g/L
• Alcohol: 12.5%
• Fermentation: Entirely in oak barrels
• Maturation: Extended ageing followed by recent disgorgement
• Drinking Window: 2023–2045