Today we share one of the greats out of Champagne. I had a glorious visit to Louis Roederer and am excited to be back soon. Roederer is one of the premier brands in the world, producing their world-famous ‘Cristal’ champagne. The first ‘Cristal’ Champagne was created back 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. This Champagne was initially distinguished by being presented in a flat-bottomed, transparent lead-crystal bottle. The ‘Cristal’ brand was named after the lead-crystal bottle, which is particularly transparent and luminous.
They somewhat recently began doing their ‘Collection’ wines which involves a blend of vintages somewhat akin to the ‘Grande Cuvee’ by Krug. The latest wine, the ‘Collection 245’ is a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier that has a 55% base from the 2020 vintage. This wine is absolutely gorgeous to enjoy right now.
I also tasted the latest edition of their Rose, the 2017 Louis Roederer (OB, 94) which is refined and elegant, with some serious aging potential. I have tried some older versions of this wine in my personal collection and have been amazed to see how well they cellar. Learn more about these beautiful wines at www.louis-roederer/com and here are my reviews of the latest releases from Louis Roederer.
MV Louis Roederer ‘Collection 245’ Champagne- The ‘Collection 245’ utilizes a base from the 2020 vintage. Near equal parts come from the “La Rivière” Estate, the “La Montagne” Estate and the “La Côte” Estate. This is bold and rich stuff with toasty brioche, ginger, Pink Lady apple and shades of starfruit on the palate. With a refined mousse, enjoy over the next ten years. Drink 2024-2034- 93
2017 Louis Roederer Rose Champagne- The gorgeous 2017 Rose by Louis Roederer was given 8G/L dosage and combines Pinot Noir from Cumières with Chardonnays from the Côte des Blancs. A brilliant salmon hue in the glass, this delivers bright red raspberry and pomegranate seed flavors alongside orange peel and shades of buttered French bread. Ripe and plump on the mouth, enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next fifteen to twenty years. Drink 2024-2039- 94