Tasting Notes
Robert Parker 93
Tasted at the Bollinger RD vertical in Paris. The 1997 has a languid but persistent mousse. The nose displays good intensity with fine mineralite intermingling with grilled walnuts, smoke and just a faint touch of beeswax. The palate is very well balanced with a citric thread of acidity, lemon peel, fresh red gooseberries, green apple and crushed stone. The acidity drives the finish, though it is just a little unruly on the bitter lemon and cantaloupe finish. Very good length, this 1997 RD evolves nicely in the glass, become ever more refined and elegant. Tasted July 2011.
Vinous 94
The 1997 Extra Brut R.D. needs quite a bit of air to open up. The wine shows tons of depth in a dark, dramatic expression of the vintage. Ripe apricots, pears, smoke, minerals and ash are some of the nuances that flow from this broad-shouldered, expansive Champagne. Once again, I find striking depth and detail in all dimensions of the wine. Personally, I am more inclined to the style of the Grande Annee, but the 1997 R.D. is undoubtedly a gorgeous Champagne. This is an intense wine that needs to be paired with food. The 1997 R.D is 65% Pinot Noir, 35% Chardonnay of which 75% is Grand Cru and 25% is Premier Cru. This is Lot L017935. Disgorged January 4th, 2010.
Anticipated maturity: 2013-2017
