2016 Louis Roederer Brut Rose, Champagne, France (750ml)

WINEMAKER'S NOTES:

Salmon pink hue with bright red tints. Deep, intense color. The bubbles are fine yet vibrant and energetic. The summery bouquet shows exceptional intensity and freshness with its aromas of ripe, juicy stone fruit (wild peach) complemented by zesty red fruit (redcurrant) and citrus notes (blood orange). Upon aeration, the nose develops more jammy notes of Roussillon red apricot. The palate is soft, juicy and concentrated on entry and then quickly shows a chalky, saline freshness that structures the wine and lends it a voluptuous yet delicate mouthfeel. The juicy, ripe fruit (nectarine and wild peach) and citrus (lemon) give the wine a fresh, zesty character that is underpinned by a subtle hint of bitterness. The soft, delicate bubbles coat the palate and impart a velvety texture. The end palate is mouth-watering and ever so slightly salty with discreet tannins and a lovely subtle bitterness that complements the incredible dry chalkiness of the wine and lingers on the seemingly never-ending finish.

Blend: 62% Pinot Noir, 38% Chardonnay

TASTING NOTES:

Fantastic aroma of Mara des Bois strawberries. Very juicy with an explosion of strawberries and ripe nectarines. Stunning vitality due to the bright and fine mousse plus the lively acidity. Long and elegant finish that pulls you back for more. A cuvee of 60% pinot noir from Cumieres and 40% chardonnay from Chouilly. 8 g/l dosage. From biodynamically grown grapes. 

- James Suckling, 95 pts. 

Finely mature, this bottling is just right. Its fruit has softened and a touch of toastiness has come through to give great balance. The Champagne is totally ready to drink.

- Wine Enthusiast, 94 pts.

Firm and focused, this finely knit version offers a satiny texture and hints of smoke and oyster shell, which underscore flavors of pureed raspberry, peach skin and blood orange granita, with a rich touch of toasted brioche. Long, lightly spiced finish. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

- Wine Spectator, 93 pts. 

The medium salmon-colored 2016 Champagne Brut Rosé is a straightforward vintage with lots of approachable fruit character. It is floral and primary with aromas of fresh rose petal, pure raspberry, and fresh peach. Medium-bodied, the palate is refined, with an elegant mousse, and the wine is clean, fruity, and fresh, with a note of orange. Revealing a lovely, fresh texture as well as great finesse and elegance, it’s inviting now and should have a good life ahead of it over the next 15 or so years. However, it may not be the longest-lived of the Louis Roederer wines.

- Jeb Dunnuck, 91 pts. 

The 2016 Brut Rosé is charming. Soft and inviting, the 2016 will drink beautifully right out of the gate. Readers will find a beautifully perfumed, gracious Rosé. The 2016 is not the richest or most complex vintage Rosé Roederer has released lately, but it is impeccably balanced and very easy to enjoy for its sensual personality. If I have one critique, is that the dosage feels a bit high. Dosage is 8 grams per liter.

- Vinous, 90 pts.