It has been a rough year for many. As we move into the festive season, albeit Covid-19 style, this is a great time we share celebrations with loved ones, whenever possible, and pop bubbles. Originally founded in 1776, this Champagne house was inherited and renamed by Louis Roederer in 1833. It remains today as one of the only still independent and family-run champagne houses as today roughly 3.5 million bottles of Louis Roederer champagne are shipped each year to more than 100 countries.
A favorite champagne of Tzar Alexander II, the famous Louis Roederer ‘Cristal’ Champagne has gained international recognition since its inception. The vintage cuvées include the Vintage, Rosé Vintage, with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in an approximately 7:3 proportion, and the 100% Chardonnay Blanc de Blancs. Their ‘Cristal’ bottling is typically a blend of roughly 40% Chardonnay and 60% Pinot Noir. This prestige cuvée is also available as a rosé, which contains around 55% Pinot noir and 45% Chardonnay. Both Rosé Vintage and Cristal Rosé wines are made using the sagnee method.
I adored all of the new wines by Roederer. In terms of an entry level Champagne, I was massively impressed with the NV Louis Roederer ‘Brut Premier’ Champagne (OB, 92) which has amazing finesse and a really silky mousse. The 2012 ‘Cristal’ (OB, 97) is a remarkable wine, one that has incredible weight and aging potential. Try to hold off on this beauty for at least another year. Learn more about this famed Champagne house at http://www.louis-roederer.com/en Here are my reviews of the beautiful new Louis Roederer releases.
NV Louis Roederer ‘Brut Premier’ Champagne- This NV Champagne has a 2015 base, blending mostly Pinot Noir (42%) and Chardonnay (40%) with the remainder Pinot Meunier that was aged in their cellars for three years prior to disgorgement. Sourced from roughly 55% estate vineyards, on the nose this shows marzipan that mingles with green apple white peach and quince tones on the nose. The wine has a classy mousse that impresses. Layers of melon flavors collide with minerals, Japanese pear and kumquat zest on the palate. Drink 2020-2028- 92
2013 Louis Roederer Rose Champagne- The 2013 Louis Rodeder Rose Champagne is a splendid rendition from this somewhat challenging vintage in Champagne which resulted in the latest harvest since 1998 and a very dry September. Mainly Pinot Noir (67%) with the remainder Chardonnay, this was aged for four years prior to disgorgement. A brilliant salmon color, this shows teaberry with Satsuma orange rind and pretty red raspberry tones on the nose. The palate shows a great combination of weight and astringency. Ripe guava, strawberry and cranberry tones dance with sour green apple, lemon rind and nutmeg infused sourdough bread on the palate. The light dusting of salinity adds to the enjoyment. This is very refined stuff. Beautiful in its youth, this will cellar well over the next ten to fifteen years. Drink 2020-2032- 93
2013 Louis Roederer ‘Blanc de Blancs’ Champage- A gorgeous, finesse-driven 2013 Champagne, the 2013 ‘Blanc de Blancs’ was sourced from the Cote de Blancs. Right away this shows amazing verve and freshness with Gravenstein apple tones that mingle with marzipan, baking spices and suggestions of wet stone with lemon oil on the palate. The silky mousse adds to the enjoyment. Not particularly a big Chardonnay wine, the wine delivers tons of verve and finishes very long. Fantastic to enjoy in its youth, this outstanding new bottling will provide drinking enjoyment over the next decade. Drink 2020-2032- 93
2012 Louis Roederer ‘Cristal’ Chanpagne- The 2012 Louis Roederer ‘Cristal’ Chanpagne is a thrilling, dense new offering from this historic house. On the nose this takes on rich brioche and baked Pazzaz apple flavors that combine with lighter kumquat and marzipan tones that all meld in the glass. Fresh and vibrant, with a remarkably silky mousse, the weight and richness of this wine is impressive, while the bright character provides a wonderful foil. Rich layers of lemon zest dusted brioche with toasted hazelnut and Gravenstein apple with lighter vanilla cream and starfruit tones seamlessly combine on the palate. As several hours develop, the wine pieces itself together more magically with the intense citrus components melding with its weighty stature. Marvelous at this stage in its development, the 2012 Louis Roederer ‘Cristal’ Chanpagne will have an exceedingly long life ahead of it. Try to give this at least another year of bottle development before savoring. Drink 2021-2040- 97