Using fruit from four plots in the Grand Cru Avize, entirely from vines owned by Louis Roederer.
Composed of 100% Chardonnay, the Blanc de Blancs Vintage cuvée is generally matured on lees for five years and left for a minimum of 6 months after dégorgement (disgorging) to attain perfect maturity.
Carried by the saline freshness of the limestone, this Blanc de Blancs is a slender, straight, luminous wine, with a caressing and powdery texture, where the minerality is finely linked to the substance. It is the triumph of Chardonnays.
Bright clear hue with deep lemon-yellow and greenish tints. The fine, even bubbles form tiny threads in the glass. The nose is discreet and delicate, the most prominent notes being of orchard fruits such as apple and pear. After aeration, the apple aromas take on more caramelised scents of baked apple, tarte tatin and finely roasted hazelnut.
The Chardonnay then develops a limestone character with mineral notes of hot stone, delicate spice, candied lemon, citrus, graphite, and even a hint of tobacco. The wine is velvety on entry to the palate, with a soft, smooth texture which dominates the palate, coating it with a delicate yet concentrated mouthfeel. It then broadens to reveal a zesty yet mineral freshness.
The wine continues to take shape on the palate showing density at first, followed by chocolatey, almost tannic, notes and then finally a slightly bitter freshness that lengthens the finish. The undeniably saline end-palate is underpinned by an interminable chalky freshness that makes your mouth water, refreshes the palate, and invites you to take another sip.
