The 2008 Louis Roederer Brut Champagne, their “classic” vintage, comes from 23 acres of estate vineyard. It is composed of 70% Pinot Noir from the Grand Cru of Verzenay and 30% Chardonnay from the Grand Cru of Avize. This Champagne has nutty flavors aromas and flavors that remind me of the chestnuts that they sell on the street in Alba in the truffle season braced by chalky acidity that gives the wine the kind of length that I can feel all the way in the back of my head. This wine is going to be a legend--it tastes fantastic now, and should cellar for as long as you can keep your hands off of it. This is spectacular vintage Champagne, and will provide a generation of enjoyment. No doubt you will be able to laugh about what a good deal it was years from now… If you don’t drink it all this year!

While Roederer is consistently great, their 2008 Brut is especially lively, and a beautiful treat that somehow manages to be both crowd-pleasing and exciting to more adventurous palates. This is a terroir-driven release, with a leafy green nose, crisp pear and crunchy stone fruit notes, bracing acid, creamier palate, and a biscuity quality thanks to some time maturing in oak. A ringer of a vintage helped nurture a bright, minerally profile, but there is complexity here that goes beyond the cleaner house style. This proved to be one of my favorites from a day where the team tasted literally dozens of incredible Champagnes.

Roederer took full advantage of the superb conditions in 2008 to create a powerful, complex and elegant Brut Champagne. Made from 70% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay, the acid is electrifying and powerful yet the richness of fruit cushions it perfectly, opening the palate to a bouquet of flavors like citrus, pear, honey and toasty goodness. A delicious take on a great vintage!