Late Release1996

A spectacular year, cold and dry with some complications during the flowering phase, in particular on the Chardonnays, which led to poor fruit set and therefore small sized clusters of exceptional concentration. The summer weather was also very challenging owing to alternate high temperatures and rainy spells. The 20% water deficit gave us wines with incredible aromatic concentration, reminiscent of the fine wines of Burgundy with an exceptional balance, maturity and acidity. The wines from 1996 are simply outstanding with a fresh, distinctive and intensely mineral character.

This champagne is a bundle of fruit and freshness, an explosion of red fruit and peony aromas with smoky nuances typical of the vintage. All the expressive power of a tasty, juicy, enveloping and long Pinot noir is expressed here in this cool vintage! A "grand vin de champagne" with an energetic and subtly spicy finish.

Having been carefully preserved for many long years in the complete darkness of the Louis Roederer cellars, in perfect temperature and humidity conditions, these vintage champagnes are now reaching the peak of their maturity, the very apex of their potential.