Champagne Louis Roederer Brut Premier NV Magnums

Wine information: Champagne Louis Roederer is one of the few remaining completely independent, family owned Champagne houses. By 1886 the House had achieved such a reputation for quality that the second Louis Roederer was asked by Tsar Alexander II to create Cristal for the exclusive use of the Russian Tsars, and in so doing created the first Cuvée de Prestige. Roederer owns just over 200 hectares of vineyards located in the finest areas of Champagne - Montagne de Reims, Vallée de la Marne and Côte des Blancs. Each vineyard is situated in the finest sites, with the plots ranking between 95% and 100% on the Echelle des Crus. This makes Roederer self sufficient for 100% of its vintage styles, and provides two-thirds of its production for Brut Premier. Such a high proportion of ‘estate’ grapes is very unusual in Champagne, and ensures superior quality at all stages from grape to glass. The benchmark of a Champagne house’s style is its Non Vintage. Roederer’s Brut Premier is blended from at least four vintages in a cuvée composed of two-thirds Pinot (of which 10-15% is Pinot Meunier) and one-third Chardonnay. Aged for 36 months prior to disgorgement, it is released only after a further six months in the cellars in Reims. Brut Premier is consistently rated as one of the finest non-vintage Champagnes. 40% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay and 20% Pinot Meunier. Dosage 10-11 grams per litre.

Tasting Notes: Champagne Louis Roederer Brut Premier NV is the embodiment of Louis Roederer style, combining all the fruitiness and freshness of youth with the vinosity of a fully mature wine. This is a structured and elegantly mature wine, with a lively attack and a smooth palate. Fine bubbles and a nose of fresh fruit and hawthorn. Smooth, complex palate mingling flavours of white-fleshed fruit (apple and pear) with red berries (blackberries, raspberries, cherries) and notes of toast and almonds. A pleasurable wine, deliciously smooth and mature.

Reviews: "The NV Brut Premier is a gorgeous wine that stands head and shoulders above the vast majority of wines in its price range. Apparently, it is quite possible to make great Champagne that doesn’t cost a small fortune. Ripe pears, smoke, spices, dried flowers and herbs are some of the many nuances that emerge from the glass. The Brut Premier shows lovely mid-palate depth and fabulous overall balance. Chef de Caves Jean-Baptiste Lecaillon has done it again. This is a fabulous Brut Premier." 92 Points The Wine Advocate - Antonio Galloni - November 30, 2011

"A beautifully integrated wine that shows richness, even a touch of toasty age to go with apple and intense acidity. The acidity shows so well against the rich backdrop of ripe fruits and a final edgy texture." 91 Points, Wine Enthusiast - Roger Voss - December 01, 2011

 
     

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