1997 Bollinger R.D.

Bollinger were the first successfully to market the Late Disgorged concept; indeed they imposed a trademark on the RD (Récemment Degorgée) nomenclature, leaving imitators linguistically taxed in their wake. Rather more controversial is their philosophy of multiple releases of the same wine: irrelevant in this instance, the 21st vintage of this great wine which is on its first outing, an extremely impressive wine it is too, combining the forward ripe fruit flavours that one associates with this particular vintage, and the biscuity, gently honeyed, subtly savoury texture that one has come so to appreciate from this style of wine.
(Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer)

The 1997 R.D. opens with explosive aromatics that meld seamlessly into layers of ripe fruit. The signature slightly oxidative notes are there, but there is also more than enough fruit to provide terrific balance. This is an especially accessible, opulent R.D. that can be drunk young or cellared. The R.D. starts off as the same wine as the Grande Annee but sees an extended period of aging on its lees prior to being disgorged. In 1997 the R.D. is 75% Pinot Noir and 25% Chardonnay. This bottle was disgorged on March 25, 2008. The 1997 is a great introduction to the R.D style, and a bottle that can be enjoyed while the 1995 and 1996 age.
(Antonio Galloni - Wine Advocate - Dec 08)