Louis Roederer Vintage Brut 2018
(Champagne, France) - [JD 94] [DM 94]

About the Winery:
Louis Roederer has been synonymous with the world's great Champagnes since 1776, and it is one of the rare family owned companies, which is still managed by the Roederer family today. They are also one of the only French champagne producers to own nearly 75 percent of the grapes in the most desirable vineyards in the Champagne. The property is located on 450 acres in the finest villages of Montagne de Reims, Côtes des Blancs, and Valleé de la Marne. Each region is selected to produce Chardonnay and Pinot Noir with the elegance needed for perfectly balanced champagne. The Louis Roederer vineyards rate an average 98 percent based on France’s statutory 100-point classification scale.

About this Wine:
Fascinated by the diversity of aromas expressed by the Pinot Noir variety in Champagne, Louis Roederer decided to base its Vintage Brut on the structure and power of the Montagne de Reims Pinot Noirs—specifically in the cru of Verzy. These north-easterly facing vineyards take longer to ripen, producing wines that can sometimes be rough and confined at the start of the maturing process. However, their personality develops remarkably, becoming more intense over time when matured in wood. The Chardonnay is sourced from estate vineyards in the Côte des Blancs cru of Chouilly. 

In 1850, Roederer decided to buy over 37 acres in the Verzenay Grand Cru in order to have better control over how the grapes in this cuvée were used. Today, the House's 600 acres of estate vineyards are located in the best exposures throughout the region and are farmed using organic and biodynamic practices.

Winemaking:
The wine, 28% of which is vinified in oak casks and 20% of which undergoes malolactic fermentation, is aged for 4 years in the cellars and left for a minimum of 6 months after disgorging to attain the perfect maturity. The dosage is 7 g/l. Harvests from August 27 to September 2018.

Tasting Notes:
Very classic, golden-yellow champagne hue. Dynamic bubbles with a persistent bead. A deep bouquet of Verzy Pinot noir reveals subtly tangy red fruits (redcurrant), citrus zest (blood orange), and fresh undergrowth with an almost iodine-like tone. As it opens up, a sapid, mineral character emerges in the form of smoky, flinty and stony overtones. Juicy and caressing on the palate with a texture finely etched by a zesty freshness (orange). Crisp and rounded on entry, the wine then reveals a grainy, slightly tannic structure that imparts a savoury sweetness. Then comes the surge of tangy, saline freshness typical of the northern slopes of Verzy.

Varietals: 80% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay

Dosage: 7 g/L

Ratings & Reviews

94 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"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. While I am eagerly anticipating the 2019 release, this holds a fantastic place in the range to enjoy now or over the next 15 or so years." - Audrey Frick (Dec 2025)

94 Points - Decanter Magazine:
"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." – Tom Hewson ((Feb 2026)