$84.90 $94.99
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Region: Champagne, France
Grapes: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier
First Glance: Complex, top-end NV champagne
Acclaim: 93 Points
Louis Roederer is a bit of a shining light amongst the Grande Marque houses of Champagne. They stand out from the crowd, not only by producing benchmark wines, but also uniquely owning the vast majority of the vineyards they source their fruit from, as well as championing biodynamic farming in a region where this is no mean feat, due to the harsh climate.
The numbered "Collection" NV series recently replaced the old "Brut Premier" cuvee, which was already one of the very best and most complex NVs on the market. The new Collection series not only allows consumers to know the base vintage (the 243 being based on the top-notch 2018 vintage), it also introduces the use of reserve wine from a purpose-created solera, which reportedly allows for both more consistent and fresher wines.
42% Chardonnay 40% Pinot noir 18% Meunier, 8g/L dosage this year.
The Louis Roederer Collection 243 may not be the cheapest in it's peer group, but it may just well be the best.
The Review:
93 Points, Anne Krebiehl MW
“Juicy Mirabelle plum and salty citrus pith have immediate impact on the nose. The palate is equally immediate and generous. Fine, lively mousse rises with esprit and highlights the appetising phenolic structure that is reminiscent of grapefruit pith that is as mouthwatering as the bright line of acidity that pervades the wine. A touch riper than its predecessor 242, but with wonderful dimensions. Most seductive.”
