Louis Roederer Vintage Brut Champagne 2018

Coming from Verzy and Chouilly, the 2018 Champagne Vintage Brut has 80% Pinot Noir from Verzy and is the last vintage to include Chardonnay from Chouilly. Historically, the Chardonnay was included in the blend to soften the austerity of the Pinot Noir; however, with these recent vintages and warming conditions, this is no longer necessary, as the Pinot Noir is fully ripe and appealing on its own. In the glass, it offers aromas of pure red cherries, fresh flowers, bright spice, and wild raspberries. Medium to full-bodied, it has compact definition, a pillowy mousse, a chalky texture, and mouthwatering tangerine notes on the finish. 94 points Audrey Frick, jebdunnuck.com

Louis Roederer's vintage cuvée is 80% hailing from the northern Montagne de Reims in Pinot Noir in the ripe, approachable 2018 vintage, with the remaining 20% in Chardonnay from Chouilly. The inherent freshness of these northern slopes really benefits the style in such a vintage, with a little more precision and restraint than is sometimes present in 2018 even if the sunny cherry, sweet apple and clementine fruit is still aromatically very ripe. This is polished, silken and gently warmed-up with almond macaron richness and toasted brown bread notes, persistent rather than hugely intense but still standing to benefit from further ageing and integration of the brut dosage. Drink 2026-2040 94 points Tom Hewson, Decanter