Product Description:
Pinot-forward, mineral-edged—Roederer’s 2016 vintage captures Champagne at full resonance.
The 2016 Louis Roederer Brut Vintage is a vibrant and finely tuned Champagne that reflects the soul of the Montagne de Reims, with fruit drawn almost entirely from the house’s “La Montagne” estate. Dominated by Pinot Noir from Verzy and sharpened by Chouilly Chardonnay, this is a wine of generous texture and precise drive. Four years on lees and a modest dosage of 7g/L yield a Champagne that balances richness with clarity, ripeness with restraint.
The palate is expansive yet detailed—candied citrus, roasted hazelnut, nectarine, and chalk—all carried on a fine, energetic mousse. Roederer’s hallmark integration of reserve wines and minimal malolactic fermentation gives the 2016 a refined complexity and the backbone for extended cellaring. A vintage shaped by sun and precision, it’s expressive now but will only deepen through 2040.
Ideal with shellfish, duck rillettes or aged Comté.
Maker
Louis Roederer is a highly respected Champagne producer located in the historic city of Reims. The renowned Champagne house, founded in the late 1700s, is still owned and operated by the Roederer family. Their signature style consists of an equal blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, with a touch of Pinot Meunier, which comprises approximately one-fifth of the blend. Louis Roederer's most famous wine is Cristal, a prestigious Champagne that has captured the hearts of wine enthusiasts worldwide. The house was founded in 1833 and aimed to capture foreign markets, particularly Russia. Roederer became the wine of choice for the Russian royal family, and Cristal was created for Tsar Alexander II. Louis Roederer acquired grand cru vineyards in Champagne in 1845, which was unusual for the time as most houses were buying grapes from growers. Today, the Roederer vineyards encompass around 240 hectares of land, with around 25% managed biodynamically. This commitment to sustainable farming practices is a testament to the house's dedication to producing high-quality wines that are both delicious and environmentally responsible.
Philosophy
At Louis Roederer, the philosophy is grounded in the belief that the true essence of Champagne is born from the land. The House’s commitment to sustainable and biodynamic farming practices ensures that each vintage is a true reflection of the unique terroir of the Champagne region. By managing the majority of its vineyards, Louis Roederer has developed an intimate understanding of its land and vines, which results in wines that are both consistent and distinctive year after year.
The focus on quality is evident throughout every step of the winemaking process, from vineyard to cellar. Louis Roederer crafts only vintage Champagne, allowing each year’s harvest to fully express the potential of the grapes and the particular conditions of the season. This unwavering dedication to craftsmanship ensures that each bottle captures the House's signature style of elegance, complexity, and balance.
Tasting Notes
NOSE
– Toasted and perfumed
Redcurrant jam, candied citrus, hazelnut, and warm chalk.
PALATE
– Silky and expansive
Juicy stone fruit and wild peach with creamy bubbles and savoury spice.
FINISH
– Long and mineral
Persistent and textural with notes of blood orange zest and crushed stone.
Reviews & Accolades
"Complex nose of restrained strawberries and lemon zest, with macerated flowers and shortbread... pinprick mousse, long and chewy, integrated acidity and amazing length." – James Suckling, 96 Points
"Seamless... deftly knitting flavours of black raspberry, tangerine peel, chalk and Marcona almond... long and fragrant on the finish." – Wine Spectator, 94 Points
"Bottled elegance—apricot, spice and dried flowers caress the palate... terrific edition of the Vintage." – Vinous, 93 Points
Finer Details:
Style - Champagne
Varietal - Pinot Noir, Chardonnay
Country - France
Region - Champagne
Vintage - 2016
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 12.5%
Closure - Cork