Bollinger Extra Brut Champagne R.D. 1996

100 points Tyson Stelzer (The Champagne Guide): "(tasted in 2019 in Australia; 30% chardonnay, 70% pinot; disgorged November 2017 and May 2012). In an exercise to demonstrate the profound impact of disgorgement date, Bollinger presented the same R.D. after both 15 and 20 years on lees. The younger disgorgement is charged with stunning energy and vitality, upholding a primary lemon vivacity that drives the finish with remarkable precision and stamina. True to the heightened energy of its great season, it soars with profound line and length and astonishing focus. Twenty-two years of age has enveloped it in gorgeous complexity of exotic spice, fresh truffles, wild honey and sautéed mushrooms. Even now, it is still not yet at its glorious peak, and will effortlessly live another 20 years. And more. 100 points, hands down. (2020-2021)"

99 points (19.5/20) Gault & Millau (Jun 2007).

98 points (19/20) La Revue du Vin de France: "The RD 1996 (63% pinot noir, 82% grand cru) illustrates the duality of this vintage, as it evolves quite clearly on the nose with sweet, candied notes, while remaining very young, unyielding in its finish and phenomenally persistent in its flavors. We think it's time to forget all about them in the cellar. (Jan 2008)"

97 points/'Cellar Selection,' Wine Enthusiast: "The Bollinger R.D. (recently disgorged) is Bollinger's answer to a prestige cuvée. Keeping the wine long on its lees (this was disgorged in June 2006) yields a wine that is very much in the rich Bollinger style. This is a beautifully balanced wine, with acidity, intensity and structure in perfect harmony. It is still so young, and certainly could age for years. Alcohol 12%. (Nov 2006)"

97 points James Suckling: "I have drunk this a half dozen times in the last six months and it always amazes me. The Recently Disgorged Bolly is ultra rich with yeast and spice and bread. It's tight and in reserve, but gives lots of lemon rind and apricot character as well. It's full and very racy. Layered palate. An aftertaste that lasts for minutes. What a Champagne. (6/12/16)"

96 points William Kelley (Wine Advocate): "Disgorged in 2013, this bottle of Bollinger's 1996 Extra-Brut R. D. vindicates the house's decision to harvest late in this high-acid vintage, as even though the 1996 has a notably low pH of 2.93, the wine also possesses the maturity of fruit to balance it. Bursting with aromas of golden orchard fruit, crème brûlée, espresso roast, spices, warm bread, smoke and honeycomb, with time in the glass hints of dried fruits and marmalade emerge. On the palate, it's full-bodied, layered and vinous, with a textural attack and an ample core of fruit that's complemented by a pearly mousse, concluding with a long, saline, bone-dry finish. This is the best bottle of the 1996 R. D. I've ever encountered. Drink: 2021-2036. (8/18/22)"

96 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 1996 R.D. (2012 disgorgement) is in a gorgeous spot right now. A stunning set of aromas and flavors have developed in bottle, making the 1996 a real treat to taste and drink at this stage. Scents of coffee, hazelnut, honey, dried flowers, menthol and candied orange peel all lift from the glass. Mature and yet also quite fresh, with terrific nuance, the 1996 R.D. is a terrific example of the timeless beauty that only Champagne can deliver. Disgorged: 2012. Drink: 2019-2029. (Jul 2019)"

95 points Charles Curtis, MW (Decanter): "A monumental R.D., the 70% Pinot Noir here is ageing very slowly in the late-disgorged format. The aromatic palate is almost shockingly youthful. There is still plenty of primary bright apple fruit with the spice and toast of the initial fermentation – the overall impression is lovely, lively, and still fruity, with the more developed notes very discreet. The texture is enlivened by the same super-charged acidity we see in the Grande Année from this year, and the finish is intensely long. Marvellous ageing potential. Drinking Window: 2021-2051. (4/28/21)"