NV Louis Roederer Champagne Collection 244 - France, Champagne (10/23/2024)
– popped and poured –
– tasted non-blind over 2.5 hrs. on Day 1; revisited on Day 2 –
– 41% Chardonnay, 33% Pinot Noir, 26% Pinot Meunier –
– MV blend: 54% 2019 (5% vinified in wood), 36% Perpetual Reserve (2012 - 2018), 10% “wines from previous years and young plots on the Cristal estate aged in French oak foudres” (20212 - 2018) –
– Dosage: 7 g/L –
NOSE: relative to what I normally drink, this has a broad, Big House, nose. It’s light/bright, but also a bit yeasty. Happily, this does not veer into buttery or lactic territory. Very light-fruited Nose (white fruit). Seems tight.
BODY: medium yellow color; aggressive, medium-bubbled bead, initially, but it calmed down to a less-aggressive fine bead as time passed; light to medium-light body.
TASTE: frothy; markedly steely and acidic; fruit is tight; I can sense the dosage a bit, despite this being quite minerally and dry; Granny Smith apple in the background; this feels like it requires age. DAY 2: better today – more broad, and fruitier — crisp, dry, white fruit; not heavy. Liked it enough to go back for more, as I feel it’s a good QPR around $50 - $55, but this Needs Time. HOLD.