2016 Louis Roederer, Brut Vintage

The 2016 vintage was characterised by particularly marked weather variations: spring was cool, wet and relatively late whereas summer was warm and dry with a heatwave in late August followed by dry and sunny weather over the harvest period which was highly beneficial to the ripening of the grapes. Pinot Noir thrived in these dry, sunny conditions and the heat gave them an intensely fruity character and silky smooth texture. The Chardonnays were just as outstanding although more chiselled and saline in character.

The blend in 2016 is 68% Pinot Noir and 32% Chardonnay, with 33% of the wine vinified in oak tuns with weekly bâtonnage (stirring by hand) It aged for four years in the Louis Roederer cellars, and was left for six months after disgorgement to attain optimal maturity. Dosage is 7g/l.

Aromas are intense and deep, recalling ripe, juicy red fruit (cherry and redcurrant), candied, roasted citrus fruit, and roasted hazelnuts. Palate is complex, generous and multilayered, with gorgeous, creamy texture. This displays purity of fruit underpinned by mineral, spicy, saline notes. The finish is long and immensely satisfying.