1985 Bollinger R.D. Extra Brut
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Tasting notes
Disgorged 7 March 2011. Exceptionally cold winter destroyed many vines, especially Pinot Noir. Spring frosts too made yields extremely variable. Some second generation berries were harvested. Musts judged very similar to those in 1975. 65% Pinot Noir. 20 villages. 65% grands crus. Yields 1,000-13,000 kg/ha. Initial potential alcohol 9.6%, TA 8.7 g/l. Another vintage that was not shown in London last year. Deep, slightly orangey gold. Rather delicate and gossamer-like for a Bollinger on the nose. Then relatively sweet and creamy. This finishes dry and shows considerable acidity – perhaps not one of the weightiest. Open – reminds me a bit of the 1995. Relatively easy and uncomplicated for a Bollinger RD. (JR)
Critic scores
Jancis Robinson MW
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Earth, mushroom and toffee on the nose. Big, rich and very dry; features the typical, maturing Bollinger flavors of coffee and toffee but lovely ripe acidity gives the wine terrific freshness and superb cut. Full, creamy and complex. A superb R.D. from a great vintage.
About the producer
Bollinger is one of the most renowned and coveted Champagne Houses in the world, famous for its Pinot-Noir-dominant wines, in particular La Grande Année and the rare Vieilles Vignes Françaises (from pre-phylloxera vines).