Louis Roederer Collection 245 Magnum 1.5L, Champagne

The NV Collection 245 is another stellar Champagne from Roederer. Apricot, white flowers, spice, white pepper and tangerine oil all open in the glass. This is a more open-knit style from Roederer. The blend is 41% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir and 24% Meunier based in 2020, but with 35% reserve wines from a perpetual reserve of previous editions and 10% reserve wines in oak, meaning the base vintage is not particularly evident. Dosage is 7 grams per liter, but it feels a bit higher than that. Roederer remains one of the most dynamic houses in Champagne. This year Roederer is releasing ve vintages in their new Rosé Late Release program. These are original disgorgements but bottled with one gram less of dosage (8 grams per liter) than the original releases. That means that, at a minimum, the broad outline for this program was conceived thirty years ago, a reminder of the amount of time that is required in Champagne from conceptualization to commercial release.

92 points Antonio Galloni vinous.com

This is the 245th blend of Roederer's non-vintage Champagne. It is a fine wine, highlighting the blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, bringing in reserve wines to give richness and balance. It is fresh, beginning to show signs of maturity, with an apple aroma and a ripe palate.

94 points wineenthusiast.com

Louis Roederer is one of Champagne's most revered houses, family owned since its founding in 1776 and celebrated for an uncompromising commitment to estate grown fruit. With more than 240 hectares of Premier and Grand Cru vineyards, Roederer has long set the benchmark for precision, elegance and longevity, producing some of the world's most collectible Champagnes, including the legendary Cristal. Collection 245 represents the next chapter in the house's evolution, replacing the long running Brut Premier with a multi vintage cuvée that reflects both the character of a specific harvest and the depth of Roederer's exceptional reserve wines.

Collection 245 is built around the outstanding 2020 harvest, complemented by carefully selected reserve wines from previous vintages and the house's remarkable perpetual reserve, first established in 2012. The blend is dominated by Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, with Meunier adding freshness and charm. Fermentation and ageing combine stainless steel, oak and extended time on lees, creating a Champagne of impressive complexity while preserving the vibrant energy and crystalline purity that have become Louis Roederer's signature.

Bright straw gold with a fine, persistent mousse, the bouquet is immediately expressive, revealing aromas of crisp orchard apple, preserved lemon and white peach layered with acacia blossom, toasted brioche and roasted almond. As the wine opens, notes of citrus zest, chalk, fresh pastry and a delicate saline character emerge, adding remarkable depth and precision. The palate is beautifully textured, balancing ripe citrus and stone fruit with vibrant acidity and a creamy, finely beaded mousse. A distinct chalky minerality carries through an exceptionally long, focused finish, leaving an impression of freshness, refinement and effortless harmony.

Magnificent as an aperitif or paired with freshly shucked oysters, lobster, sashimi, roast chicken with morels or aged Comté. Delicious on release, Collection 245 also has the balance and pedigree to evolve gracefully over the next eight to twelve years, revealing even greater complexity with time in the cellar.