Louis Roederer Brut Vintage 2016

Produced from the first vineyard acquired by Roederer in 1841, this Champagne shows the beginnings of maturity as well as ripe, fresh apple fruit flavors. An aroma of toast mingled with kiwi fruits gives a finely balanced wine now ready to drink. — Roger Voss

Complex nose of restrained strawberries and lemon zest, with macerated flowers and shortbread. Full body and plenty of concentration, with pinprick mousse, long and chewy, integrated acidity and amazing length. Pinot noir and chardonnay. Drink or hold.

Louis Roederer's 2016 Brut Vintage is derived primarily from Pinot Noir from Verzy and incorporates 32% Chardonnay from Chouilly, though this is about to change with the 2019 release, when it will become a pure Verzy, giving stronger identity to the village. The soil here is rich in clay, and the slopes face east, explains Jean-Baptiste Lecaillon. Disgorged in June 2024 with seven grams per liter dosage, it wafts from the glass with a bouquet of juicy pear, red berries, hazelnut and smoke. Medium to full-bodied, pillowy and textural, it has a slightly richer core of fruit compared to the more delicate and citrusy Blanc de Blancs and will richly reward a few additional years under cork.