Fascinated by the diverse aromatic qualities of the Pinot Noir grapes in Champagne, Louis Roederer uses the structure and power of the Pinot Noir from the Montagne de Reims to create its Vintage. Exposed to the north-east, the grapes mature more slowly and produce wines that are sometimes rough and closed at the beginning of the ageing process, but their character intensifies and becomes more refined through ageing in wood over long periods. In 1850, Louis Roederer acquired 15 hectares in the Grand Cru vineyard of Verzenay in order to master the cultivation of the grapes in this cuvée.
The blend is 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay, with 37% of the wine vinified in oak tuns with weekly bâtonnage (stirring by hand); it is not subjected to malolactic fermentation. The Vintage cuvée is aged, on average, for four years in Louis Roederer’s cellars and left for six months after dégorgement (disgorging) to attain optimal maturity. The dosage is 9 g/l.
It was a very difficult year in our vineyards: after a stormy and rainy spring, which was very stressful, the flowering was difficult with widespread coulure and millerandage, producing small dense clusters of grapes. The dry summer, though cool with relatively little sunshine, resulted in a maturation process that was both continental (dry) and northern (fresh). There was a final surprise in September, during which anticyclonic conditions prevailed despite several intense bouts of rainfall on 12 and 13 September. These exceptionally favourable weather conditions resulted in perfect maturation—slow and progressive—of the grapes and produced wines with an exceptional and natural balance between freshness and a concentration of flavours. The harvests began on very ‘traditional’ dates around mid-September.
Golden colour with sparkling tints that are illuminated as the bubbles rise. It has a bouquet that is particularly characteristic of the great Pinot Noir grapes from Verzenay/Verzy; it contains ripe fruits: white fruit (Pear Williams) and vineyard peach combined with more acid citrus zest notes. There are also notes of dried fruit prolonged by toasted notes, resulting from ageing in French oak tuns and autolysis. A dense, round, and voluptuous mouth, which is characteristic of Louis Roederer’s calcareous clay Vintage estate. The fruity notes are juicy and full-bodied, and become red (fig) and even floral with hints of rose. This is followed by acid flavours of citrus, spices, fresh wood, and black chocolate. The wine’s appeal is its lively and invigorating taste: it is structured and has a wonderful purity. The density and the fruitiness of the wine complements—in the fullest sense of the word—the freshness, elegance, and length. The 2008 Vintage is an intense and lively wine of the highest quality, embodying the fruitiness and power of this great vintage.
Serve chilled in tulip shaped glasses
James Suckling: 94 Points
“Roederer’s 2008 vintage is all class and refinement with layered aromas from the get-go. Grilled nuts, lemon zest and pith plus subtle spiced, fresh bready notes – very youthful and fresh. The palate rolls out powerful and smooth lemon citrus flavors with some red berries building through the second phase. Contained, dry, succulent and a wonderful journey of texture here. Drink now or for more than five years. A great vintage for Roederer.”
Wine Spectator: 93 Points
“Elegant and harmonious, with bright acidity enlivening the refined and creamy mousse and flavors of pastry, creamed pear, crushed blackberry, spun honey and slivered almond. A streak of chalky mineral resonates through the wine and lingers on the finish. Drink now through 2028.”
AOC Champagne
70% Pinot Noir
30% Chardonnay
Natural cork
12%
9g/l