Louis Roederer Champagne Blanc de Blancs 2004

Winemaker's Notes:

Blanc de Blancs is made in very small quantities from a selection of grands crus from the Louis Roederer vineyard on the Côte des Blancs (Avize, le Mesnil-sur-Oger and Chouilly). The wine is left to mature for an average period of four years and then remains for a further six months in the cellar after disgorgement to ensure perfect maturity. The appearance is yellow with light green-gold highlights. Fine mouse with regular, persistent bubbles. It has a clean and fragrant nose of fresh, vigorous, subtle aromas: white flower (Acacia), fruit (citrus, apple), fresh almonds, light spices, and a wisp of caramel, hinting that some of the wines composing the blend of this Blanc de Blancs have been fermented in wood. In the mouth it has a velvety attack, with rich, smooth texture, typical of Louis Roederer. Enhanced by soft effervescence, this great wine reveals a perfectly balanced structure, both creamy and ethereal. It almost tickles the palate with clean, fine and precise texture, strengthened on the finish by the light bitter taste of fresh almonds, and the softness of ripe, lightly caramelised apples. This Blanc de Blancs combines finesse and vinosity: it expresses with subtlety and refinement all the qualities of freshness, roundness and precision, characteristic of the best Chardonnays in Champagne. Ideal as an aperitif when it is the very essence of freshness, finesse and elegance, Blanc de Blancs is also the perfect accompaniment to seafood, fish and goat's cheese.