2017 Louis Roederer Vintage Brut Rosé, Champagne

Vineyards in Cumières, facing the Marne Valley, are the source of this ripe, full and balanced Champagne. The fruit of one year, with an aroma of roses and a rich, vibrant palate, the wine is opulent and full. Drink now.

95 points winenthusiast.com

A seductive, balanced and silky champagne rosé with aromas of apricot skins, mirabelles and stones, together with a touch of baking spices. In control and well balanced, with an attractive texture. Harmonious with fine bubbles and a laser-focused finish. Drink or hold.

94 points jamessuckling.com

From the challenging 2017 vintage, a growing season plagued by severe spring frosts, a lackluster summer, and bouts of botrytis in the run-up to harvest, somehow comes the bright, breezy breath of fresh air! The 2017 Rosé Vintage is a blend of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay from Roederer’s la Rivière estate. It reveals a very subtle salmon-pink color. Delicate scents of fresh raspberries, wild strawberries, and McIntosh apples languorously drift from the glass, followed by chalk dust and rose bud tea suggestions. The palate is understated and elegantly styled with a zippy line of freshness and tiny, persistent bubbles supporting the red berry and chalky layers, finishing with a quietly intense floral perfume. 29% was aged in oak, 24% went through malo-lactic, and it has 8 grams per liter of dosage, making for a very dry expression with great tension and finesse.

93 points thewineindependent.com

Louis Roederer Vintage Brut Rosé is a luxurious Champagne that perfectly blends finesse, complexity, and elegance. Louis Roederer, one of Champagne’s most prestigious houses, has been crafting exceptional sparkling wines since its founding in 1776. The winery has built a reputation for producing refined and distinctive Champagnes, known for their quality and consistency. The Vintage Brut Rosé is one of the house’s flagship offerings, made only in exceptional years using the finest fruit from its own vineyards, which are located in some of the best terroirs of the Champagne region.

The Vintage Brut Rosé is a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, with a majority of the Pinot Noir sourced from the prestigious Montagne de Reims and the Côte des Blancs. The Pinot Noir gives the wine its structure and depth, while the Chardonnay adds freshness and elegance. The wine undergoes traditional vinification, with fermentation and aging in oak barrels, which imparts subtle richness and complexity. It is then aged for several years on its lees before being disgorged, allowing the wine to develop its signature creamy texture and intricate flavors.

In the glass, Louis Roederer Vintage Brut Rosé is a beautiful pale salmon pink with delicate bubbles that dance elegantly. The nose is expressive and sophisticated, with layers of red berries such as strawberry, raspberry, and cherry, intertwined with floral notes of rose petal and a hint of citrus zest. Subtle nuances of toasted brioche, almond, and light spices add further complexity, reflecting the wine's aging process and the contribution of oak.

On the palate, the Champagne is medium-bodied, with a creamy, fine mousse that delivers a luxurious mouthfeel. The red fruit flavors are vibrant and fresh, with bright acidity providing a crisp and refreshing backbone. The wine’s texture is round and silky, balanced by a lively effervescence and a mineral edge that gives the wine a sense of precision and focus. The finish is long and elegant, with lingering notes of fruit, subtle spice, and a delicate, toasty quality.

Louis Roederer Vintage Brut Rosé is an exceptional Champagne that pairs wonderfully with a variety of fine dishes. It’s ideal with seafood, particularly oysters, lobster, or grilled fish, as well as dishes like roasted chicken or duck. It also pairs beautifully with creamy cheeses, such as Brie or Camembert, or delicate desserts like strawberry shortcake or raspberry sorbet.