Louis Roederer Champagne Blanc de Blancs 2015 750ml

FRANCE : CHAMPAGNE : CÔTE DES BLANCS

Chardonnay

MED-BODIED, LEMON PASTRY, WHITE FLOWERS, ALMOND, CHALK, OAK

All Chardonnay from Roederer's own Grand Cru plots in Avize, the "La Côte" estate at the heart of the Côte des Blancs. The 2015 was drawn off at low pressure for a rounder, creamier mousse — 16% vinified in oak casks, five years on the lees, eight more months' rest after disgorgement, 8 g/L dosage.

2015 set records for heat and drought in Champagne until rain in the second half of August revived the vines; Roederer began picking Avize on 8 September and chased concentration over the usual sugar-and-acid numbers. Founded in 1776 and still family-owned under seventh-generation Frédéric Rouzaud, the house grows every grape in its vintage wines.

Decanter 95 pts — "Straight yet wide, rich but lean, direct yet juicy." Vinous 94 pts.

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