Bollinger R.D. 2008 – Extra Brut – “Récemment Dégorgé” – 75 cl – in original presentation case with booklets – disgorged 25 October 2023. Storage and provenance: This bottle has been stored since purchase in a temperature‑controlled EuroCave wine cabinet at around 12–13°C, as shown in the accompanying photos. The bottle has remained horizontally stored together with other top Champagnes, ensuring optimal, professional‑level storage conditions for long‑term ageing. Wine critic ratings: The Bollinger R.D. 2008 cuvée enjoys outstanding professional scores and is regarded as one of the great Champagnes of the 2008 vintage. - James Suckling: 99/100 – notes its incredible acidity, depth and “extreme character.” - The Wine Advocate (William Kelley): 98+/100 – described as “the finest R.D. of the decade,” with huge ageing potential. - Jeb Dunnuck: 98/100 – a “stunner” with electric mineral energy and remarkable length. Producer and cuvée: Champagne Bollinger, founded in 1829 in Ay, is one of the region’s most historic houses, famous for its powerful, Pinot Noir–driven style. R.D. (“Récemment Dégorgé”) is Bollinger’s flagship late‑disgorged prestige cuvée, produced only in the greatest vintages and representing the pinnacle of the house’s range above La Grande Année. Vintage, disgorgement and style: The 2008 vintage in Champagne is widely regarded as exceptional, combining ripe fruit with firm acidity and great ageing capacity. This bottle of R.D. 2008 was disgorged on 25 October 2023 (printed on front and back labels), giving it very long lees ageing and particularly vivid freshness. It is classified as Extra Brut, with a low dosage of around 3 g/L that highlights tension, minerality and precision. Technical details of the cuvée: Bollinger R.D. 2008 is based on roughly 71% Pinot Noir and 29% Chardonnay from a selection of grands and premiers crus, reflecting Bollinger’s emphasis on top‑quality vineyard sourcing. The wine spent more than a decade on its lees before late disgorgement, a key factor behind its depth, complexity and ability to age gracefully for many years. Condition and packaging (this bottle): The lot includes one 75 cl bottle of Bollinger R.D. 2008 with copper‑coloured capsule, Bollinger crest at the neck and golden R.D. 2008 front label indicating the disgorgement date. The bottle comes in its original Bollinger R.D. 2008 vertical presentation case, together with the original Bollinger R.D. booklet and additional brochure, making it an attractive collector’s set. Labels, glass and capsule appear clean and intact with only minor handling traces, consistent with careful, climate‑controlled storage. Drinking window and collectability: Thanks to the great 2008 vintage, long lees ageing and very low dosage, Bollinger R.D. 2008 combines rich, nutty depth with razor‑sharp acidity and impressive length. It is already superb to drink now but is expected to continue developing complexity for many more years, offering both immediate pleasure and strong appeal for collectors and investors. As I care deeply about the storage and wellbeing of this wine, shipping will be handled with particular attention. I am happy to agree with the buyer, after the auction closes, on the optimal shipping date and method, taking into account weather conditions and transit times. The bottle will be securely packed in a sturdy shipping carton with ample protective material to prevent movement and impact. During warmer periods I can arrange insulated packaging and cooling elements to help maintain a stable temperature in transit. If needed, we can also opt for an express service to minimise time in transit. Happy Bidding!