2009 Champagne Louis Roederer, Cristal, Brut

Louis Roederer, a wonderful family-owned Champagne House founded in 1776, has a tremendous reputation for quality. In 1876, the House created the now famous Cristal at the request of Alexander II. This once intensely sweet wine is now one of the most luscious, deeply flavoured Champagnes available.

This is from Roederer’s Grand Cru sites with the most chalky terroir. This “solar” vintage produced very ripe fruit, which translates to a big concentration of red and green apple fruit, beautifully framed by the rich, biscuity, autolytic notes. Unusually, Roederer decided to release the 2009 vintage before the 2008 vintage as it is more generous and approachable now. Indeed, the wine is drinking very well now, although it has a long life ahead of it. Enjoy with cod slow-cooked in butter, fruits de mer or caviar for ultimate decadence.

Berry Bros. & Rudd