Louis Roederer Brut 2009 (750ML)

94 JS / 94 WE / 93 VM / 92 WS / 17.5 JR

A set of more north-facing vineyards here deliver a more restrained, mineral and compact pinot noir. Nevertheless, the nose has terrific ripe-fruit expression (a warmer vintage), and the oak fermentation (30%) works well to wrap the exuberant fruit into the mix of more mineral characters. The palate has plenty of lemon and grapefruit citrus, lemon zest and honey. This has done no malolactic and really delivers on the finish. Wonderfully clean, balanced and layered. Drinking well now but age through to 2025 with confidence for a more savory style. - James Suckling

This rich wine is full of ripe white and citrus fruits that combine easily with the tangy, tight texture that comes from the dominance of Pinot Noir in the blend. It is still young, the sort of wine that needs to age to bring out its full potential. Drink this very fine vintage from 2018. - Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast

The 2009 Brut Vintage is fascinating to taste next to the 2012. Time in bottle has softened some of the edges, but the 2009 remains a gorgeous Champagne with tons of up-front appeal. Pastry, spice and a range of tropical notes show how much allure this ripe, radiant vintage has to offer. The 2009 is just entering its first plateau of maturity, that stage where its aromatics are starting to develop, and yet it also has more than enough freshness to drink well for another decade or more. - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media

This elegant Champagne is bright, with well-cut acidity married to a fine and creamy mousse and flavors of currant, toast, smoke-tinged mineral, white cherry and mandarin orange peel, followed by a fresh, lingering finish. Drink now through 2027. 226 cases imported. - Alison Napjus, The Wine Spectator

Tasted blind. Pale straw. Very complete and satisfying. Hint of crème pâtissière on the nose. Great tension and a great drink. Already appealing. But perhaps not massively long. Rich! Fun to drink now. 2009? - Jancis Robinson

This is mostly pinot noir from clay parcels in Verzenay, blended with some chardonnay from Chouilly, and 30 percent of the total was fermented in oak vats. It reflects its heavy soils in its broad build and rich texture, yet it remains so sleek and refined, expanding on the palate with a sophisticated complexity and finesse. This is superb, one of the best vintages of this cuvée in recent times, and it should continue to gain complexity and expression in the cellar. 2.5/3 stars - Peter Liem, Champagne Guide