Louis Roederer : Vintage 2015

Roederer's newly released 2015 Brut Vintage is a strong effort, offering up aromas of freshly baked bread, citrus oil, pastry cream, dried white flowers and verbena, followed by a medium to full-bodied, fleshy and pillowy palate framed by bright acids and concluding with chalky grip. This can't quite match the tension or plenitude of fruit of the last few releases, but it is a lovely Champagne. It's a blend of Pinot Noir from Verzy and Chardonnay from Chouilly.

The 2015 Vintage Brut is composed of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay. 24% of the wine went through malolactic fermentation, and 34% was aged in oak. The dosage is 8 grams per liter. It opens with notes of candied ginger, lime blossoms, and beeswax, leading to a core of grapefruit, yellow apples, Bosc pears, plus a waft of allspice. The palate delivers decadent spiced apple flavors with citrusy sparks and a crisp, refreshing backbone, finishing long and opulent.

This is a delicious Champagne with its ripe white fruits and softened texture. It is totally mature, the wine balanced and ready. Drink this fine wine now.