2002 Bollinger R.D. Bollinger, Champagne (1,5l)

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - 2002 Bollinger R.D., Bollinger

Big names do not help if you are not familiar with a certain house style, and so I can understand everyone who dislikes Bollinger's 2002 RD Extra Brut, which at first sight reveals a matured if not an old wine displaying toffee, floral (hyacinths, narcissus, sage), vegetal and spicy aromas (oak, cannabis, frankincense, black bread) -- but almost no fruit (at least no fresh fruit). This wine was disgorged in March 2014, but just needs a lot of time in the glass to develop its complexity. On the palate this is a very pure, fresh, lively, firmly structured and almost ascetic wine with complexity, but almost no sensuality. Very distinctive style. - Stephan Reinhardt, Okt. 2015

Allen Meadows' Burghound - 2002 Bollinger R.D., Bollinger

Unlike the 750 ml version reviewed a few years ago, there is no reduction present on the intensely yeasty and toasty nose that displays plenty of brioche character on the citrusy green apple scents. There is a notably refined bead to the intense and firm mousse that is dense yet not aggressive as it allows the beautifully delineated yet subtly shaded flavors to shine before culminating in a beautifully long, complex and classy finish where a touch of austerity appears. As the RD almost always is, this is full-flavored yet it arguably drinks like a blanc de blanc because of its purity and subtlety. In short, this is gorgeous and still very much on the way up, indeed it will definitely need plenty of time in this larger format. - Allen Meadows, Okt. 2015