We’re delighted to announce the recent launch of Bollinger R.D. 2007, a truly authentic and timeless vintage. The R.D. cuvée, released shortly after its disgorgement, reflects the boldness of Madame Bollinger’s vision. Rejecting the trend in 1967 for unusually shaped bottles, she decided to create an original tasting experience, with the aromatic intensity of the finest vintages contrasting with a fabulous freshness. This comes from the natural acidity of the grapes during harvest, underscored by the Extra Brut, low dosage, far below the average of 20 g/L at the time.

It was a revolution that would have a lasting impact not only on the Bollinger style, but also on the world of Champagne as a whole.

Bollinger R.D. was the first ever to specify a disgorgement date on its label. Today, this legendary label has been recreated with lettering in the original 1952 font.

The R.D. 2007 has already been praised by many esteemed wine writers, receiving the following plaudits:

William Kelley scores the R.D. 97 points, commenting “Bollinger’s superb 2007 R. D. is an unusually delicate, fine-boned rendition of this habitually muscular cuvée.”

Antonio Galloni also scores the Champagne 97 points. He says “Bollinger’s 2007 R.D. is superb, but it is also a wine that reflects the nature of a unique and challenging growing season…the 2007 is an R.D. driven by more focus, energy and tension than readers are used to seeing. Lemon confit, dried flowers, sage, mint, crushed rocks, almond and ginger are some of the aromas and flavors that give the 2007 its complex, multi-faceted personality.”

Champagne expert, Richard Juhlin, says: “2007 is in most hands a weak and diluted vintage that I normally avoid. The exception is spelled Bollinger! The powerful house style often shines brighter during lighter vintages, the vintage wines from Bollinger are top on my list from 2007… An unusually fine- tuned classic.” 94 (95) points.

Matthew Jukes states, “The latest release of R.D. – Bollinger’s iconic ‘Recently Disgorged or Récemment Dégorgé’ wine is something completely out of the ordinary.  My one-word description for this sensational wine is ‘controlled’… What is remarkable about this particular vintage is its restraint and levity coupled with the extraordinary length of finish.”

We are delighted to announce that the highly respected annual ‘Wine On-Premise UK 2021’ report published by Peter McAtamney’s ‘Wine Business Solutions’ has recently named Mentzendorff number one UK wine distributor in a survey based on brand distribution. A fantastic endorsement for the work of our On-Trade team.

Sommeliers at The Goring Hotel proudly showcasing Akitu Pinot Noir and Hamilton Russell Chardonnay.

Mentzendorff achieved the highest number of listings per brand of any of the Top 30 suppliers, with the third-highest average price. Mentzendorff’s listings per brand were 43% higher than the next distributor’s.

Alan Montague-Dennis, director of prestige sales, visiting Le Gavroche, The Goring and Cafe Murano on his trusty Brompton Bike.

“To be a good On-Premise distributor, you first need to have a strong enough portfolio to be able to command attention. The real acid test, however, is listings per brand.” Wine On-Premise UK 2021 Report.

Scores are in for this year’s Global Tuscan Masters, Global Sauvignon Blanc Masters, Global Chardonnay Masters and Global Riesling Masters. These prestigious competitions run by The Drinks Business draw in entries from across the world. They are judged blind by an expert panel of Masters of Wine, Master Sommeliers and senior buyers.

We are delighted to announce that Ciacci Rosso di Montalcino 2015 and Fertuna Pactio 2016 were both awarded silver medals in The Global Tuscan Masters. Klein Constantia won three medals in The Global Sauvignon Blanc Masters; their Metis Sauvignon Blanc 2017 won gold and their Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2019 and Perdeblokke Sauvignon Blanc 2017 both won silver.

Meanwhile in the world of Chardonnay, Tapanappa Tiers Vineyard Chardonnay 2019 and AYALA Le Blanc de Blancs 2014 were both awarded gold medals in this year’s Global Chardonnay Masters 2020. AYALA Le Blanc de Blancs 2014 scored an impressive 93 points and Tapanappa Chardonnay 2019 was also listed in The Drinks Business’ 10 best Chardonnays of 2020.

In The Global Riesling Masters 2020, Kilikanoon won four medals: their Mort’s Reserve Riesling 2011 was awarded gold, their Mort’s Reserve Riesling 2017 and Mort’s Block Riesling 2019 won silver and their Mort’s Block Riesling 2018 won bronze.

Stunning results all round!

Wine Spectator has revealed its annual list of Top 100 wines, based on quality, value, availability and ‘excitement’. This prestigious competition has been running since 1988.

We’re thrilled to announce that Bollinger La Grande Année 2012 was included in their top 10, with an astonishing 96 points. It was followed closely by Southern Right Sauvignon Blanc Walker Bay 2019, scoring 90 points.

Bollinger La Grande Année 2012 received the following praise: “This goes from zero to 60 right out of the gate, with an intense spine of acidity driving tightly meshed flavors of crushed black currant, ground coffee, candied grapefruit peel and toasted almond. The profile expands on the palate, carried by the fine, raw silk-like mousse. Richly aromatic and expressive from start to lasting, spiced finish”. – AN

Southern Right Sauvignon Blanc Walker Bay 2019 was described as displaying “intensity and precision, with notes of fleur de sel and sage underscoring grapefruit and white peach flavors. Shows a bit of crunch in texture. Long, inviting and quite balanced.” – AZ