Louis Roederer Collection 243 Brut Champagne Blend NV

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

So, I haven’t had a Collection Series from Roederer. Thought I’d give the 243 a try. It is nice but very much like all the N/V’s I’ve had from them. If you put a N/V Roederer in my hand blind, I’d tell you this is Roderer. It’s a distinctive style. Just like you couldn’t fool me with any vintage of Silver Oak. Soft; lemon, lime, both peaches, some blackberries, kiwi, bruised red apple to cider, overripe pineapple, tropical melons, baguette crust, cream, saline, grainy chalkiness, sea fossils, limestone marl, crispy acidity, jasmine, white flowers and a well balanced, nicely structured, not overly polish, 90 second finish. Made from one-third of the grapes stemming from each of the "La Rivière", "La Montagne" and "La Côte" vineyards, Collection is composed of a base vintage, oak-aged reserve wines and wines from the "Perpetual Reserve", which follows the principles of the solera method and was created in 2012. The number 243 represents the House’s 243rd blend since its creation. Collection 243 is made from the 2018 vintage to which 10% of oak-aged reserve wines (2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017) and 31% from the ‘’Perpetual Reserve’’ (2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017) were added. 26% of the blend undergoes malolactic fermentation. Collection 243 was aged for 3 to 4 years in the cellar. Its dosage is 8 g/litre This cuvée is comprised of Chardonnay (42%), Pinot Noir (40%) and Pinot Meunier (18%).

Ainsley

Luscious mouth feel, delicates bubbles and a golden yellow colour. Citrus notes, violets, biscuits and lemon pie. Fabulous find! Highly recommend!

Jeroen Koenen

Magnum

Willie Carter

An attractive pale gold color with highly active perlage. Very typically Louis in every way. Warm brioche and an abundance of yellow fruit aromas initially. Apples and dandelions with a nice whiff of honey. Strawberries and a little bit of chalk. The numbered collection series from Louis Roederer continues to impress. Based on the 2018 vintage with a generous amount of reserve wines. Baronial but zesty with terrific balance and structure. Obviously young but there’s plenty of potential for this to develop down the road. Inviting and thrilling in the mouth. Biscuits and apple with plenty of lemon zest. Just a bit of oak and dried herbs. A lovely, lovely champagne and one that I’ll keep coming back to.

Stuart Pollack

Good Champagne but not as good as the Collection 242. I was hoping for the same excellence as Collection 242 but Collection 243 is good but unremarkable. Excellent bubbles and mouthfeel, clean, but lacking in the flavors of fruit and brioche found in other Roederer champagne. Perhaps waiting a few years would help here. Still a good value.

Debra Copeland

Exceptional NYE champagne! Dry and crisp with apple, citrus and toasted brioche.

Alex Schussler

Wonderful! Enjoyable on its own or paired with food. Wonderful bubbles and bright fruity flavor, well balanced and very easy to drink.

Jess

Pale lemon color. Aromas of citrus, mineral. Dry. Flavors of lemon, toasted brioche. Smooth bubbles. Intensity: 4/5 Complexity: 2/5 Balance: 5/5 Finish: 4/5

Jon Ebsworth

A nice opener at Clarette in Marylebone

Zack Hall

Yummy!