Bollinger R.D. 1985 dégorgé le 5 Mars 2002 with OWC

Bollinger R.D. Extra Brut 1985

1. Introduction and historical background

The origins of the House of Bollinger date back to 1829, when it was founded by Joseph Bollinger, Paul Renaudin and Athanase de Villermont in Aÿ. The house is still one of the few large family-owned champagne houses today. One of the most influential personalities was Lily Bollinger, who managed the fortunes of the house from 1941 onwards and established strict quality rules that are still valid today.

The Cuvée R.D. ("Récemment Dégorgé" - recently disgorged) is the result of research initiated by Madame Bollinger in the early 1960s. The idea was to create a champagne that combines the freshness of a young wine with the complexity of extremely long ageing on the lees. The 1985 vintage is one of the most prestigious embodiments of this vision.

2. The 1985 vintage in Champagne

The 1985 vintage was a year of extremes in Champagne and is now considered one of the best of the decade. An extremely cold January with temperatures as low as -25°C (the lowest for 150 years) and severe spring frosts caused considerable damage, particularly in the northern part of the Montagne de Reims and in the Aube. Yields were low at 6,827 kg/ha. However, a beautiful, warm September saved the harvest and produced grapes of exceptional balance and intensity.

3. Vinification and blending

The basis of the R.D. cuvée is the Grande Année, Bollinger's prestigious vintage champagne. What characterises the R.D. is the extremely long ageing on the lees: the bottles mature on the leesfor between 8 and 14 years before being disgorged.

The time of disgorgement is variable and is indicated on the back label. This has a major influence on the flavour profile:

• Disgorged October 1998: After about 13 years on the lees.

• Disgorged October 1997: A bottle from this batch was auctioned on iDealwine.

• Disgorged March 2002: Another documented batch.

• Disgorged March 2011: A particularly late disgorgement, which made the champagne appear even fresher.

The assemblage of the 1985 is classic and Pinot-heavy, typical of Bollinger:

• 65% Pinot Noir: Gives structure and power.

• 35% Chardonnay: Brings freshness, elegance and fine acidity.

The grapes come from Grands Crus (70%) and Premiers Crus (30%) in Champagne. The estate has its own vineyard area of around 160 hectares, which covers the majority of its grape requirements. The alcohol content is 12% vol..

4. Tasting notes

Tasting notes vary according to disgorgement date, but the overall picture is one of ripeness, complexity and power.

• Appearance: Deep, light orange-golden yellow.

• Nose: The bouquet is extraordinarily complex and multi-layered. Notes of ripe and dried fruit dominate, combined with typical ripe flavours:

  • Ripe fruit: Notes of acacia, honey and a pronounced fruit profile described as characteristic of the 1985 vintage.

  • Tertiary flavours: coffee, caramel, toffee, toast, smoked almonds, truffles and mushrooms.

  • Spicy notes: Vanilla, some ginger (similar to ginger ale).

• Palate: The champagne is powerful and rich on the palate, yet surprisingly fresh.

  • Texture: Creamy and full-bodied.

  • Palate: The aromas from the nose continue. The acidity is ripe and gives the wine an excellent freshness and a "superb cut". The wine is dry (Extra Brut) and for some tasters seems almost unsweetened.

  • Finish: Long and persistent, with a pronounced smoky flavour.

A tasting note from 2011 by Jancis Robinson describes the wine as "relatively sweet and creamy" with a dry finish and considerable acidity.

5. Ratings and awards

The exceptional quality of the 1985 R.D. is underpinned by the high ratings from international critics:

• Robert Parker (Wine Advocate): 98/100 points

• Tastingbook.com: 97/100 points

• Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): 93/100 points

• Wine Spectator: 93/100 points

• Jancis Robinson: 18/20 points

6. Price and market availability

The Bollinger R.D. 1985 is a rarity and is primarily traded on auction and secondary markets. Prices vary greatly depending on origin, condition and disgorgement date.

• Price examples (0.75l bottle):

  • 626 € (iDealwine, current market price, as of March 2024)

  • 637.88 €/litre (Best of Wines)

  • £595 (Vintage Wine & Port, incl. UK taxes)

  • £500 (Nemowine, incl. UK taxes)

  • $675 (WineBid, last sale price March 2025)

• Auction results:

  • £620 for two bottles in original wooden cases (Bellmans)

  • 600 - 800 USD estimate for two bottles at Sotheby's (March 2024)

7. Ageing and drinking maturity

Due to its long ageing on the lees, the 1985 R.D. is an exceptionally long-lived champagne. The recommended drinking window extends from 2020 to 2035. The champagne has reached its peak, but can still be stored for several years.

8. Gastronomic recommendations (food pairing)

Due to its complexity, creaminess and strength, this champagne is an excellent accompaniment to sophisticated dishes. It goes perfectly with:

• Fish & seafood: Lobster, scallops, cod, turbot. Also with oysters, which are often combined with a high proportion of Pinot Noir.

• Poultry & meat: Poularde, veal chops, fine terrine, or with white meats.

• Other combinations: With risotto with truffles or mushrooms.
  The ideal serving temperature is between 8°C and 12°C (although many sources recommend 8°C).

Conclusion

The Bollinger R.D. Extra Brut 1985 is a masterpiece of the art of Champagne and a shining example of the legacy of Madame Lily Bollinger. It combines the power and structure of Pinot Noir with the elegance and freshness of Chardonnay to create a complex, multi-layered yet fresh flavour experience. For collectors and lovers of matured champagne, it is an absolute must and an unforgettable experience.