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Wine Description
The Story
It all began in 2003... this exceptionally sunny year, which was problematic for our northern vineyards, revealed—for the first time—certain vineyards with remarkable potential in the heart of the historic Champagne hillsides on the Louis Roederer estate.
THIS IS ABOUT THE REDISCOVERY OF A UNIQUE ESTATE... A VINEYARD CHOSEN BY THE SEVENTH GENERATION OF LOUIS ROEDERER!
Located in the heart of the calcareous clay soil hillsides of Cumières, Hautvillers, and Vertus, which are rich in hard, coarse sandstone, this ensemble of parcels had no difficulty in resisting the heat and drought in the summer of 2003. Better still, the vineyards produced aromatic, intense, and balanced grapes. The resulting wines, which were vini ed separately, parcel by parcel, are characterised by an optimal aromatic maturity, a creamy texture, and a vibrant freshness.
A convergence of several unusual factors produced the dense, almost astringent wines with an incredible freshness: moderate yields, a quick harvest, less racking due to the hot temperatures during the summer harvest in 2003, and an absence of chaptalization and malolactic fermentation, combined with fermentation uniquely in wooden casks.
This encouraged us to carry out a series of bottling trials. The wines were ne-tuned in 2003, 2004, and 2005, which culminated in the selection of the 2006 vintage.
Wine Information
How could one describe the Brut Nature 2006 experience? It defies words!
The golden and deep yellow hue sparkles with luminous highlights as the bubbles rise. The bouquet is intense and precise, and notes of spring owers, Williams pear, and citrus peel gradually emerge. Aeration produces a crescendo of aromas consisting of dried fruits (lightly grilled hazelnuts), a warm-stone character, smoky avours, and cocoa beans.
In the mouth, the wine is impressive: the palate is a rich array of avours, youthful energy, and dynamism, with a wonderful blend and juxtaposition of acids, salinity, stones, fruit, and a creamy texture; wave after wave of sensations produce an impression of sudden acceleration, followed by serenity and elation; the mineral freshness returns with renewed intensity, before receding, and nally merging into an elegant velvety texture. This is followed by hints of bitterness and slight astringency, which introduce an element of gastronomy and vinosity—nonetheless, elegance and purity remain the predominant characteristics.
Vintage 2006
A cold winter and springtime frosts laid the foundations for this vintage of abundant yields (12,997 kg/ha). Uneventful flowering was followed by exceptionally hot and sunny weather, which lasted until August. A dank August left producers fearful but fortunately warm, bright conditions in September redressed the balance. Harvest commenced on September 9th, producing grapes high in sugar level but notably low on acidity. The general health of the grapes was sufficient, producing wines which excel over the preceding 2005 vintage, another warm and ample year. The year's greatest wines are supple and expressive and despite the richness they escape being overly heavy. Overt and welcoming upon launch, the best come with excellent capacity for ageing. Winey, and richly fruity characters, most Champagnes regrettably miss some tension and finesse. Wines of the vintage include Taittinger Comtes de Champagne, Krug Vintage and Dom Pérignon Rosé.
