Louis Roederer Blanc de Blancs 2011 (750ML)

94 JS / 94 WE / 93 WA / 92 WS

Four plots in Avize, a village that delivers strong character in blanc de blancs, picked later and riper. The delicate lemons and fine, chalky minerals here are impressive. Mouth-filling, vinous flesh with yellow-grapefruit and nectarine flavors. Super long, fresh and focused mineral finish. Drink or hold. - James Suckling

This wine is made from Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs. The well-balanced palate is textured and mineral driven, with a crisp white-fruit flavor that comes together well. This can be enjoyed now, although it will be better from 2020. - Roger Voss,  Wine Enthusiast

From a difficult year (no Cristal, no Vintage) with a wet summer and a harvest already in August (like 2017 and most probably also 2018), Roederer's soon-to-be-released 2011 Blanc de Blancs offers a clear, bright, fresh and very delicate and floral bouquet with almond, hazelnut and nougat aromas. Sourced entirely in Avize (toward Cramant in the north and Oger in the south), where "Chardonnay behaved quite well that year," as Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon put it. He noted that the 2011 Blanc de Blancs comes along "like a Crémant from the Loire Valley rather than a Champagne from the Côte des Blancs" due to its low pressure. Thirty percent of the cuvée was fermented in oak (in 2017, it's 32%) to give a more rich and round style of Blanc de Blancs since the characteristic salinity comes in the finish anyway. "We like texture! That's why we pick very ripe grapes at 11% alcohol. We don't chaptalize, and—since 1930—we don't need malolactic fermentation here. We just reduce the pressure to ensure a fuller, richer flow of bubbles." In fact, the 2011 is deliciously rich and charming but also pure, highly delicate (if not tender) and lifted by an airy freshness. The finish is pure and salty and underlines the great elegance, finesse and supple lightness of the 2011. To tell you the truth, this is a damn good 2011! Disgorged in January 2018; tasted May 2018.

An elegant Champagne, this is finely knit and fresh, marrying the delicate mousse and lithe acidic frame with notes of Gala apple, lemon sorbet and slivered almond, accented by hints of fleur de sel, graphite and spice. Drink now through 2028. — AN, Wine Spectator