Louis Roederer Champagne Tasting Notes

Louis Roederer Champagne Tasting Notes 
Vivat Bacchus, 14 Jan 2013

The famous house of Louis Roederer was founded in 1776, and although the family name was lost through marriage, direct descendents are still involved in running the house.

The house produces approximately two-thirds of its own grape requirements. Bought-in grapes are only used for the NV wine; the vintage wines are come from 100% own vineyards. These are located in all three main growing areas (Côte des Blanc, Montagne de Reims, and Vallée de la Marne). Roederer have more biodynamic vineyards than any other producer; the feeling is this leads to riper grapes. A proportion of these are going into Cristal.

Generally malolactic fermentation is avoided where possible in order to maintain freshness. The reserve wines are kept in large old oak vats (not barrels) so as to minimise any oak character.

Disgorgement takes place after 3 years (although legally only 15 months is required). Freshly bottled wines are kept for a further 6 months prior to release. To give some perspective on production, the house makes slightly more than Pol Roger or Bollinger.

Wines and related Champagne Louis Roederer products are available here.

A generic range of Champagne guide books for the wines and region are available here.

Louis Roederer Brut Premier NV
A blend of 6-8 vintages hailing from 400 plots of vines. It accounts for approximately two-thirds of the house’s production. This is approximately 30% chardonnay, 20% pinot meunier with the remainder pinot noir. Medium lemon colour. Little persistence of bubbles, probably more to do with the glasses than the Champagne. Soft, bready, yeasty nose. Very light, fine mousse. Medium acidity. Medium length. This is a really very good NV, better than many houses prestige bottlings.

Louis Roederer Blanc de Blanc 2006 (Côte des Blanc grapes)
Very small production, with approximately only 600 bottles allocated to the United Kingdom. As for many Blanc de Blanc, the pressure is reduced to 4 atmospheres (from typical ~6) to aim for a ‘creamy’ taste, otherwise the wine is too acid sharp.  Because of the higher acidity in Blanc de Blancs, the wines have a greater potential for ageing.  Lees-aged for an extended period. This is medium-plus lemon. Fine mousse, but again troubled by little persistence. Noticeably richer nose. Fuller, more creamy palate. Very fine. Typically £70/bottle in UK where available.

Louis Roederer Vintage 2006 (Montagne de Reims grapes)
The production for this wine is centred around Verzenay. Approximately 70% pinot noir and 30% chardonnay. The vintage bottling of Louis Roederer pre-dates the creation of Cristal. Medium lemon. Firmer mousse, fine and more persistent. This is a more structured wine. Spicy fruit rather than berry fruit. Medium acidity. More meaty on the palate. Long finish. This has ~20-years ageing capacity. Around £55/bottle in UK. Very fine.

Louis Roederer Brut Rosé 2007 (Vallée de la Marne)
Production centres around Cumières. Maceration takes place on the skins – they are the last producer to do this apparently. It sees 6-10 days skin contact and approximately 30% chardonnay is also blended into the wine before fermentation. Pale salmon pink. Light red berry and firmness of structure. Medium acidity. Good for ~5 years ageing. This is a perfectly fine rosé, but not a style of wine I particularly appreciate myself.

Louis Roederer Cristal 2000
The first ever prestige cuvee, created in 1876 for Alexander II of Russia. Named after the clear ‘crystal’ the bottle was originally made from. Blend of the 3-main grape producing areas, approximately one-third from each. Only produced in the best vintages. Approximately 55% pinot noir and 45% chardonnay. Medium lemon. Hints of honey and tropical fruits on the nose. Firmer mousse. Structured, medium-plus acid, really rich. Long finish. Excellent. £180-200/bottle in the UK (no longer listed).

Louis Roederer Cristal 2005
Recently released in November 2012. Pale/medium lemon. Notably different nose, with youthful lemon notes in contract to the 2000 vintage which seemed richer and more mature in comparison. Lighter, floral, crisp. More mineral at this stage with a similarly big structure behind it. Currently retailing at £105/bottle in the UK.