Louis Roederer Collection 244 Champagne

In the glass, it shows a luminous golden hue with a steady stream of fine bubbles, immediately signaling elegance and vitality. The nose opens with bright citrus and orchard fruit, particularly blood orange, lemon zest, and ripe apple, layered with subtle notes of chalk and smoky autolysis from extended aging. Hints of roasted nuts and delicate spice from partial oak maturation add depth without overwhelming the fruit. On the palate, the wine is concentrated yet caressingly soft, delivering juicy flavors that feel as if biting into ripe fruit, while the effervescence lightens the texture and keeps it vibrant. A backbone of chalky minerality runs through the mid-palate, enhancing freshness and structure, and the finish is long, saline, and mouthwatering, leaving impressions of citrus zest and subtle brioche. The blend is based on the warm 2019 harvest, complemented by perpetual reserve wines and oak-aged reserves, with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Meunier contributing in near-equal proportions. This thoughtful composition creates a Champagne that is both generous and precise, rich yet invigorating, and perfectly suited to showcase Louis Roederer’s pursuit of balance in the face of climate challenges. Collection 244 is not only a successor to Brut Premier but also a statement of modern Champagne craftsmanship, offering a wine that is approachable now yet structured enough to evolve beautifully with time.