Bollinger R.D. 1979 Extra Brut dégorgé le 9 Juillet 1990

Report: Bollinger R.D. 1979 (Récemment Dégorgé)

1. introduction:
The Bollinger R.D. 1979is an icon of the champagne world and a milestone in the history of the House of Bollinger. The abbreviation "R.D." (Récemment Dégorgé - "recently disgorged") stands for Bollinger's unique philosophy of leaving selected vintages on the lees for an extremely long time and only disgorging them shortly before release. The 1979 is a prime example of this art: a champagne of monumental depth, vibrant acidity and timeless elegance that epitomises the vision of "Madame Bollinger" (Lily Bollinger).

2. the R.D. concept:

• Philosophy: maximum complexity through extra-long lees ageing (often 12-25+ years). Disgorgement only takes place when the Chef de Caves determines the optimum ageing point.

• Terroir & style: Based on Pinot Noir-dominated cuvées from Grand Cru villages (especially Aÿ, Verzenay, Bouzy), which guarantee structure and longevity.

• Craft: Traditional method with hand riddling, low dosage and genuine cork with agraffe.

• The 1979: Disgorged in 1990 (≈21 years on the lees), followed by further bottle ageing until today.

3. the 1979 vintage:

• An outstanding, classic vintage in Champagne: cool, slow-maturing, with high acidity and precise fruit.

• Ideal for long-lasting, acid-accentuated champagnes with great ageing potential.

• Comparable to legends such as 1971 or 1973, but often described as more elegant.

4. sensory profile (when ripe):

• Colour: Deep gold with amber reflections, fine, persistent perlage.

• Nose: Beguilingly complex- ripe apricot, candied lemon, quince jam, dried figs, walnut, honeycomb, freshly baked brioche, caramelised toast, delicate truffle notes, damp chalk and a smoky minerality.

• Palate:

  • Structure: powerful acidity (lively but perfectly integrated), densely woven texture, creamy mousseux.

  • Flavours:Concentrated yellow fruit (apricot, mirabelle plum), dried herbs, hazelnut, marzipan, butter caramel, tobacco leaf and a salty minerality.

  • Balance: Masterful harmony between ripeness and freshness. The long ageing on the lees lends depth and silkiness without heaviness.

• Finish: Breathtakingly long (1+ minutes), with echoes of nut, chalk, citrus and subtle toasted bread.

5. significance & rarity:

• Cult status: the 1979 is considered one of the greatest R.D. vintages of all time, often mentioned in the same breath as the legendary R.D. 1973.

• Technical masterpiece: Proof of the longevity of high-quality Pinot Noir champagnes under Bollinger's R.D. discipline.

• Historical icon: One of the last vintages to be produced under the direct influence of Madame Bollinger's era (†1977).

• Extreme rarity: Only small quantities were produced; perfectly stored bottles are now museum pieces and fetch top prices.

6. tasting recommendations:

• Temperature: 10-12°C (too cold suffocates the complexity).

• Glass: Large Burgundy glass or tulip-shaped sparkling wine glass.

• Accompaniment: Pure as a meditation drink!Alternatively: Lobster with Buerre Blanc, roasted porcini mushrooms, mild blue cheese (e.g. Bleu de Bresse) or poultry in morel sauce.

• Time: Leave to decant in the glass for at least 1 hour - the flavours develop dramatically.

7. evaluation & conclusion:

The Bollinger R.D. 1979 is an absolute champagne of the century and a pinnacle of the Récemment Dégorgé concept.

• Complexity: 10/10 - A kaleidoscopic spectrum of tertiary flavours.

• Structure & Balance: 10/10 - Powerful but elegant; acidity and maturity in perfect balance.

• Length: 10/10 - A finish that tells a story.

• Uniqueness: 10/10 - A contemporary document of Bollinger's craftsmanship.

• Overall impression: A transcendent experience, this champagne combines the power of Pinot Noir, the precision of the 1979 vintage and the magic of long ageing on the lees to create an incomparable symphony. It is not a drink, but a lesson in patience, terroir and the art of ageing. An "untouchable classic" for collectors and connoisseurs.

Note: Storage conditions are crucial for bottles of this maturity. Slight variations between bottles are possible. An intact cork quality is essential.

To summarise:The Bollinger R.D. 1979 is a monument to champagne culture - powerful, complex and of timeless beauty. A wine that is not just drunk, but experienced. Tasting it means touching a piece of history. 🥂