Luminescence and excitation spectra of specifically deuterated complexes [Ru(bpy)(3-x)-(bpy-6,6'-d(2))(x)](2+) (x = 0-3) doped into [Zn(bpy)(3)](ClO4)(2) are reported. Independent (3)MLCT transitions to the bpy-6,6'-d(2) and bpy ligand are observed for the x = 1, 2 systems. The transferred charge in the lowest excited (3)MLCT states is invariably localized.