Louis Roederer Brut Vintage - 2009

Deep yellow hue with golden and slightly amber tints and vigorous, lively bubbles. The intense Pinot noir bouquet includes notes of zesty red fruit (redcurrants) and juicy, sun-drenched yellow fruit (mirabelle plums, wild peaches). After aeration, the nose evolves towards the more classic aromas of the Pinot noirs grown in “La Montagne”: dried fruit and smoky notes combined with a few zesty and spicy aromas (white pepper). The palate is dynamic, concentrated and powerful. The texture is fleshy and vinous with a lovely acidity that incorporates the freshness and concentration of the juice with great ease. The structure is energetic, well-honed, firm and almost classic. The fruity aromas gradually give way to sweeter notes of chocolate (cocoa beans) and even delicate roasted notes. The finish reveals concentrated roasted and stewed fruit underpinned by saline, mouthwatering flavours leaving a magnificent final sensation of lightness,generosity and elegance.

Vinous 93: The 2009 Brut Vintage is fascinating to taste next to the 2012. Time in bottle has softened some of the edges, but the 2009 remains a gorgeous Champagne with tons of up-front appeal. Pastry, spice and a range of tropical notes show how much allure this ripe, radiant vintage has to offer. The 2009 is just entering its first plateau of maturity, that stage where its aromatics are starting to develop, and yet it also has more than enough freshness to drink well for another decade or more.

Wine Enthusiast 94: This rich wine is full of ripe white and citrus fruits that combine easily with the tangy, tight texture that comes from the dominance of Pinot Noir in the blend. It is still young, the sort of wine that needs to age to bring out its full potential.