Driven by a new ambition and freedom, Champagne Louis Roederer is writing the next chapter of its story with the creation of Collection. As the House practices a sustainable viticulture that respects the living environment in order to fully express the qualities of the terroir, it also anticipates future seasons while adapting to the present. As such, an uninhibited and bold approach was the only way Champagne Louis Roederer could take its perpetual quest for excellence to the next level—and create a worthy successor to Brut Premier.

Each Collection blend has its own identity which will gradually and fully reveal itself over time. The Collection number will allow champagne lovers, like collectors, to choose their champagne according to their preferred degree of youth or maturity.

THE VINTAGE

The year 2020 followed a similar trajectory to that of 2019 with a mild and rainy winter followed by a dry summer with several heatwaves which, although less extreme than in 2019, still had an impact on the vine. Fortunately, the weather was rather dull and a bit wet in June which gave a welcome humid interlude between two dry spells. These continental conditions, but with “normal ” annual averages, enabled the production of mature and well balanced wines!

TASTING NOTES

On the eye: Lovely golden yellow hue. Steady lively bubbles.

On the nose: Bouquet of yellow fruits (nectarine) and ripe, concentrated citrus (lemon) complemented by sweet notes of petals, pollen, sugared almonds and wheat. We find an impressively ripe, complex and intense fruit which elevates the pure and intense bouquet interwoven with smoky overtones.

On the palate: The palate is velvety, unctuous, rich and juicy. The bubbles have an almost saline character to them and coat the palate with a broad and concentrated texture. The wine reveals an exceptional balance between structure and a crisp, powdery, saline chalky freshness. Smoky and slightly oaky notes linger on a deliciously well-honed finish.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Varietals: 41% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir, 24% Pinot Meunier

Appellation: 1/3 "La Rivière" vineyards, 1/3 "La Montagne" vineyards, 1/3 "La Côte" vineyards

245th BLEND

2020 vintage: 55%

Perpetual Reserve: 35% (2012-2019)

Reserved wine aged in oak: 10% (2010-2019)