Today we share some of the great champagne values that you will find in the US retail market. One of the great historic Champagne houses, Louis Roederer only produces their ‘Cristal’ Champagne in specific vintages. ‘Cristal’ Champagne was created in 1876 to satisfy the demanding tastes of Tsar Alexander II. The emperor asked Louis Roederer to reserve the House’s best cuvée for him every year as he was fond of Louis Roederer’s style.
For years Louis Roederer made an excellent entry level wine but they definitely upped their game in the past few years with their ‘242’ and ‘242’ releases. As an entry level champagne, the Louis Roederer ‘Collection 243’ (OB, 93) is a masterful effort, full of richness and texture. You can really tell that some old wines are blended in here as the flavor complexity is outstanding. Learn more about these champagnes at louisroederer.com and here are my reviews of the new champagne releases by Louis Roederer.
NV Louis Roederer ‘Collection 243’ Champagne- The outstanding NV Louis Roederer ‘Collection 243’ Champagne utilizes the base from the 2018 vintage (nearly 60%), as well as 10% Reserve wines which were stored in oak casks. Nutty notes combine with freshly baked French bread and salted walnut on the nose. The palate is very fresh and lithe with a smooth texture. Brilliant citrus fruits combine with green papaya, and hints of ginger on the palate. Salty and stony, this is already really refined stuff that is best enjoyed over the next eight plus years. Drink 2023-2031- 93
2016 Louis Roederer Rose Champagne- This edition comes from the ‘La Riviere Estate’ and was given 8G/L dosage. The wine shows very soft on the mouth with layers of pretty guava, sour red cherry and pomegranate seed fruits that combine with flinty and citrus rind tones on the palate. This is seriously good stuff that is already beautifully evolved. Don’t serve too warm to take in outstanding flavor range. Drink 2023-2035- 93