2009 LOUIS ROEDERER "PHILIPPE STARCK LABEL" BRUT NATURE VINTAGE CHAMPAGNE

2009 LOUIS ROEDERER "PHILIPPE STARCK LABEL" BRUT NATURE CHAMPAGNE, FRANCE. Approximately 65% Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, 35% Chardonnay. (Organic)

This is only the second release of this special cuvee, produced exclusively from the organically-farmed parts of their estate vineyard in Cumieres, Hautvillers and Vertus. The Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are pressed and fermented together in large oak vats. The cuvee is aged for five years in the cellars and left for a minimum of 6 months after disgorging to attain the perfect maturity. As a Brut Nature, it contains zero dosage, resulting in a very dry, yet supremely elegant Champagne. The label is designed by the famous French designer Philippe Starcke.

94 points Vinous Media: "The 2009 Brut Nature is only the second release for this wine (the first was the 2006). Powerful, rich and impeccably layered, the 2009 possesses remarkable depth and all of the pedigree of these vineyards in Cumières. Apricot, brioche, dried flowers and chamomile take on striking shades of translucence in this beautifully expressive Champagne. The radiance and ripeness of the vintage gave Roederer the ideal conditions to make a Champagne with no dosage, and here it is, in all of its splendor. Roederer has made the decision to price this wine very modestly in Champagne terms. I can't imagine that is going to last too long. To be sure, the Brut Nature style might come as a bit of a shock to readers used to the Roederer house palate, but the wine is magnificent. It's as simple as that.

Roederer's 2009 Brut Nature is compelling. Powerful, ample and creamy, the 2009 has more than enough natural richness and texture to carry the wine with no dosage. The Brut Nature emerges from vineyards in Cumieres, where the wines are naturally tense, which creates a fascinating push and pull with the ripeness of 2009 and no dosage approach. Of all the grand marque Chefs de Caves, Jean-Baptiste Lecaillon is the closest to his vineyards and the most artisan in spirit. That comes through loud and clear in this fabulous Champagne. The Brut Nature is also the single best value within the Roederer range today." (12/2016-7)

Wine Advocate: "Since the prestigious family-owned estate in Reims cultivates a stately amount of grand cru vineyards between their pressing centers in Verzepay (Montagne de Reims), Ay (Vallée de la Marne) and Avize (Côte de Blancs), Louis Roederer focuses on the production of a neat range of distinctive Champagnes. These are not just influenced by the blending of varietals (mostly barrel-fermented Pinot Noir and Chardonnay but also Meunier), but the characteristics of every single plot whose musts and wines are carefully combined by chef de cave Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon. The result is a beautiful range of classic Champagnes that contain the famous Cristal (Blanc and Rosé). Mind you, though, that not a single cuvée of Louis Roederer is of just average quality." (SR, 06/2016)