98 Points – Robert Parker

Bollinger R.D. Extra Brut 2008 is one of the greatest Champagnes ever produced — a wine of extraordinary depth, complexity and precision from one of the most celebrated houses in Champagne, from one of the greatest vintages of the modern era.

With 98 points from Robert Parker, the 2008 R.D. is a once-in-a-generation expression of what Bollinger can achieve at its absolute peak.

R.D. stands for Récemment Dégorgé — recently disgorged. The 2008 was aged on its lees for over a decade before release, developing a depth and complexity that no other Champagne style can match.

My Wine Man

This is not just a great Champagne. This is one of the great wines of the world.

Bollinger R.D. is the house’s most prestigious and age-worthy wine — made only in exceptional vintages, aged 10–15 years on lees before disgorgement, and released when the house believes it has reached its peak. The 2008 vintage is widely regarded as one of the finest Champagne vintages of the century.

At 98 Parker points, this sits in genuinely rarefied company. The combination of the R.D. method, the 2008 vintage and Bollinger’s uncompromising standards produces a Champagne of extraordinary power, precision and longevity.

In my view, this is the finest Champagne available in the store. If you are serious about Champagne, this is a must.

What makes this wine stand out

This is all about the extraordinary complexity that only extended lees ageing in a great vintage can deliver.

The nose evokes a rock pool on a rocky coast — intensely mineral and saline — with candied fruit, spice and mushroom notes building behind it. The palate is powerful and structured, with fruit that is far more expressive than the nose suggests.

The defining feature is the finish — lime freshness and chalky minerality at a super-long, bone-dry finish that lingers for minutes. This is Champagne at its most profound and complete.

Extraordinary, complex and utterly compelling.

Style / drinking window

Full-bodied and structured with intense minerality, candied fruit, spice, mushroom and a bone-dry, chalky finish.

Powerful acidity and extraordinary length provide depth, drive and a finish of remarkable persistence.

Drinking magnificently now, with a peak drinking window extending well into the 2030s and beyond.

Why this is a must-buy

At HK$1,688, this is one of the most compelling fine wine opportunities in the store.

It delivers:

• 98 Robert Parker points from one of the greatest Champagne vintages of the century
• over a decade of lees ageing — the R.D. method at its most extraordinary
• Bollinger’s uncompromising standards applied to a once-in-a-generation vintage

Ideal for a landmark celebration, fine dining, oysters, caviar, aged Parmesan or a serious collector’s cellar.

Looking for a different prestige Champagne?

• Bollinger Special Cuvée Brut NV → same house / more approachable / everyday luxury
• Dom Pérignon Brut 2013 → peer-level prestige cuvée / different house / different style

Life’s too short for bad wine.