Louis Roederer "Brut Premier" Champagne (Elsewhere $45)
SKU #100110
92
points
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
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. The Brut Premier is based on the 2007 vintage, with approximately 20% 2006 wines and 10% older reserves going back to 1996. The blend is approximately 40% Pinot Noir, 20% Pinot Meunier and 40% Chardonnay. About 50% of the base wines underwent malolactic fermentation. Dosage is 9-10 grams per liter. This is Lot # L034638B102206. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2015.
(11/ 2011)
91
points
Wine Enthusiast
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.
(12/ 2011)
91
points
Wine Spectator
Firm and finely meshed, with hints of passion fruit and pineapple mixing with poached apple, almond pastry and fleur de sel. Mouthwatering and lightly smoky on the lingering, refined finish. Drink now through 2017.
(11/ 2012)
90
points
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar
Light gold. Ripe pear and nectarine aromas and flavors, with smoke and sweet butter nuances building with air. Juicy and pliant, with very good depth and notes of butter toast and honey on the back half. Rich but lively, with strong finishing punch and lingering minerality.
(12/ 2012)
90
points
Wine & Spirits
A plump, rich take on the Roederer style, this is the pretty blond Parisian who manages a smile when you pass by: a little pithy, a little smoky, a little tangy with the scent of candied roses. The wine’s sweetness and acidity balance each other out, leaving a clean impression. A great start to a dinner party.
(12/ 2012)
K&L Notes
From the makers of Cristal, this is a rich, toasty style. Roederer grows two thirds of the fruit that it needs for this Champagne on their own extensive 500 acre estate. Their vineyards are spread throughout the Champagne region with holdings in the Cotes de Blancs, Valley of the Marne and Mountain of Reims. The Brut Premier comes only from grand and premier cru sites, and does not go through malolactic fermentation. It is 56% Pinot Noir, 33% Chardonnay and 10% Meunier. It is aged three years on the lees and a generous six months on the cork before release. (Gary Westby, K&L Champagne Buyer)