Louis Roederer VINTAGE 2015 12,5% Vol. 0,75l in Giftbox

«A chameleon champagne, concentrated, fruity and deep. It is all the power and maturity of the Verzy Pinot noir that is sought here» — Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon, Cellar Master

As the largest independent family-managed Champagne producer, Louis Roederer rank amongst the region's absolute finest. Established in 1776, the House today is managed by seventh generation family member Frédéric Rouzaud alongside long-time Chef de Cave and Champagne legend Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon. They own an astounding 242 hectares of vineyards many in chalk rich Grand Cru villages covering two-thirds of their grape requirements. Roederer have become pioneers in biodynamic farming & by 2012 all 78 hectares the “Cristal Estates” are farmed using biodynamic methods. By 2021 Roederer have 115 hectares certified organic. All the grapes in Cristal & other vintage cuvee’s come from their own vineyards. The estate is made up of 410 plots which are fermented separately in one of the 450 stainless steel tanks in their Reims cellars. In 2020 Roederer replaced Brut Premier with “Collection” allowing each years non-vintage blend to be identified and “re-engineering” the non-vintage cuvee to maintain freshness in the light of global warming on the Champagne region. Today Cristal is, widely recognised as the world's most awarded prestige cuvée champagne.

All Louis Roederer vintage champagnes are made using grapes from their own estate. Fascinated by the aromatic diversity of Pinot Noir in Champagne, Louis Roederer use the structure and power of the Pinot Noir grapes from the Montagne de Reims to create their Brut Vintage blend. Exposed to the north-east, these vineyards produce grapes that mature much slower, thereby making wines that are sometimes rough and closed at the beginning of the ageing process. However, the character of the Pinot Noir intensifies and becomes more refined through long ageing in wood. It is the Pinot Noirs from the Grand Cru rated village of Verzenay in particular that give the champagnes their velvety, creamy and elegant palate.

The Chardonnay from the most east facing vineyards in Chouilly brings the richness and generosity to the champagne. Some of the wine (the percentage varies each year) is fermented in large oak tanks and once in the bottle, the champagnes ages on the lees for at least four years and is rested for six months after disgorgement to attain optimal maturity.

Weather: 2015 is remembered for its classic growth cycle. The particularly mild winter gave way to a varied spring with a period of freezing temperatures followed by intense heat. The vines reached full bloom at the usual times, during a sunny and dry month of June. It was a glorious summer with plenty of sunshine and little rain. The ripening of the Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays was given a boost at the end of August by some long-awaited rainfall. The crops were harvested in mid-September under the cool autumnal skies, giving rise to elegant, fresh and fruity wines, worthy of labelling as true “classics”.

Technical Information:
Vineyards: 90% Grand & Premier Cru | Verzy & Chouilly
Grape Varieties: 70% Pinot Noir & 30% Chardonnay
Lees Ageing: 5 years
Disgorged: Spring 2020
Dosage: 8 g/l
Wine in Oak: 34%
Malolatic Fermentation: 24%
Drink: Now to 5 years+

Tasting Note: A perfect expression of the dominant Pinot Noir in this blend, the nose blends fruity (redcurrant, mirabelle plum, vine peach), spicy (white pepper) and acidic fragrances. Harmoniously blending liveliness, concentration and power, the palate is seduced by this wine’s precise structure and freshness. Throughout the tasting, fruity, chocolate (cocoa bean) and roasted aromas blend together harmoniously. The finish is persistent and generous, with delicious fruity notes and a refreshing salinity.