Late Release1997

The mild spring of 1997 brought on an early bud burst and was followed by bitterly cold temperatures in mid-April coupled with severe frosts which damaged the Verzenay and Verzy vineyards. Flowering took place early, on 10th June for the Côte des Blancs and Aÿ and on 13th June for Verzenay, and was immediately followed by a very cold and rainy spell which lasted through until early August and left us fearing the worst for our vines, due to the high threat of mildew and peduncular rot in particular. The return of better weather conditions in August and the warm and sunny weather in September saved a year that did not begin well! The harvests began on 15th September in the Vallée de la Marne, 18th September in the Montagne de Reims and 22nd September in the Côte des Blancs, and took place in bright sunshine!

The chalky and aniseed tones and the floral and candied citrus notes are the hallmarks of a great Chardonnay year. Upon aeration, iodised notes and white truffle intertwined with red and candied fruits and liquorice start to emerge. The mouthfeel is elegant and chiselled, almost taut, with distinctive smoky notes. This fresh, late-ripening vintage imparted an intense mineral character and has given us an exceptionally elegant champagne with a light, ethereal finish. An eccentric champagne.

<br> The ultimate pairing : Roasted poultry or goat's cheese. </br>

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.