Winery: Louis Roederer

Country / Region: France / Champagne

Date Winery was established: 1776 (officially in 1833)

Grape Variety: 45% Chardonnay, 55% Pinot Noir

Year the vintage was first released: 1947

Alcohol Content / Volume: 12% / 750ml

Ratings: 96 pts. Robert Parker / 99 pts. Guia Penin

Decanting Time: No need to decant. Serve at 5 - 8°C

Our suggestion for decanting time is based on bottles we tried at Txanton in 2020. We guarantee that Txanton stocks are imported and maintained in proper storage within the correct temperature and humidity suitable for wine.

Good To Know: One of household names of champagne and still owned by the family to this day, Louis Roederer has been the choice of champagne for many aristocrats and prominent figures since the late 18th century. One of the most avid admirers of his wines was the Tsar Alexander II of Russia. It was quite known at that time that he was notoriously paranoid and demanded that the bottles he purchased must be clear and flat bottomed to ensure that they could hold no hidden explosives within them.

The Louis Roederer Cristal Brut 2005 has matured, developed and opened up nicely during our 2020 tasting. Gorgeous notes of orange blossom, white peach and grated lemon peel. Subtle nuances of honey and freshly baked vanilla pastries can also be detected. The palate is quite opulent with a mousse so fine it's almost imperceptible. The sparkler has quite a lot of body and incredible fruit driven notes of both citrus and green apples. Chalky nuances as well as hints of nuttiness also emerge mid palate. The finish is lengthy, creamy and brilliantly refreshing. The champagne is drinking amazingly well now but can still age for some time.

Originally established in 1776, the champagne house as we know it today actually started operating in 1833 when Louis Roederer took the command of the winery from his uncle and renamed it to himself. It is also important to note that Roederer purchased and acquired several vineyards in champagne which was quite unusual for those times as most wineries preferred to purchase their grapes from individual growers. Roederer was also known for his understanding of both the intricacies of his grapes as well placing an emphasis on terroir. He was truly ahead of his time.