Champagne Louis Roederer Vintage
Champagne, France
Vintage:2018 (Current)
2014 (Past) | 2015 (Past) | 2016 (Current) |
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- JD
Reviews
Jeb Dunnuck 94 Points
Coming from Verzy and Chouilly, the 2018 Champagne Vintage Brut has 80% Pinot Noir from Verzy and is the last vintage to include Chardonnay from Chouilly. Historically, the Chardonnay was included in the blend to soften the austerity of the Pinot Noir; however, with these recent vintages and warming conditions, this is no longer necessary, as the Pinot Noir is fully ripe and appealing on its own. In the glass, it offers aromas of pure red cherries, fresh flowers, bright spice, and wild raspberries. Medium to full-bodied, it has compact definition, a pillowy mousse, a chalky texture, and mouthwatering tangerine notes on the finish. While I am eagerly anticipating the 2019 release, this holds a fantastic place in the range to enjoy now or over the next 15 or so years.
Overview
Fascinated by the diversity of aromas expressed by the Pinot Noir variety in Champagne, Louis Roederer decided to base its Vintage Brut on the structure and power of the Montagne de Reims Pinot Noirs—specifically in the historic cru of Verzy. These north-easterly facing vineyards take longer to ripen, producing wines that can sometimes be rough and confined at the start of the maturing process. However, their personality develops remarkably, becoming more intense over time when matured in wood. The Chardonnay is sourced from estate vineyards in the Côte des Blancs cru of Chouilly.
In 1850, Louis Roederer acquired over 37 acres in the Verzenay Grand Cru in order to have better control over how the grapes in this cuvée were used. Today, the House's 600 acres of estate vineyards are located in the best exposures throughout the region and are farmed using organic and biodynamic practices.
Winemaking
28% of the wine is vinified in oak casks and 20% undergoes malolactic fermentation.The dosage is 7 g/l. Harvests from August 27 to September 2018.
Tasting Notes
Very classic, golden-yellow champagne hue. Dynamic bubbles with a persistent bead. A deep bouquet of Verzy Pinot noir reveals subtly tangy red fruits (redcurrant), citrus zest (blood orange), and fresh undergrowth with an almost iodine-like tone. As it opens up, a sapid, mineral character emerges in the form of smoky, flinty and stony overtones. Juicy and caressing on the palate with a texture finely etched by a zesty freshness (orange). Crisp and rounded on entry, the wine then reveals a grainy, slightly tannic structure that imparts a savoury sweetness. Then comes the surge of tangy, saline freshness typical of the northern slopes of Verzy.
Harvest Notes
This 2018 Vintage marks the end of an era. Climate change and the evolution of our viticultural practices have allowed the great Verzy Pinot noir grapes (80% of this blend) to express themselves more and more each year. The harvest took place from 27 August to 8 September 2018.
Technical Information
Varietals: 80% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay
Harvest Start Date: August 27, 2018
Harvest End Date: September 8, 2018
Dosage: 7 g/L
