Louis Roederer - Bordeaux
In the 1980’s and 1990’s vineyard expansion in Champagne was virtually impossible so Jean-Claude Rouzaud, at the time Proprietor and President of the Louis Roederer Family Group, looked to expand outside the region with the establishment of Roederer Estate in California (1982), the purchase of Ramos Pinto in the Douro (1990), Chateau de Pez Cru Bourgeois St Estephe (1994) and Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, 2nd Growth, Pauillac (2006) in Bordeaux, and Domaines Ott (2005) in Provence.
Tasting Notes
Grapes/Blend
48% Merlot Noir, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot
Vinification
After a mild winter, March and April were quite cool and rainy, causing delay in the bud-break, which began on March 27th, around 10 days later than in 2007. The month of May, though mild, was still rainy, increasing the risk of disease in the vines. It also brought about coulure and millerandage in the bunches. The mid-flowering point was reached between June 6th and 12th. At the setting of the fruit, when crop size assessments were made, yield forecasts were rather pessimistic. A spell of very hot weather came in July; August was quite dull. The mid-colour change point for the Merlot was reached around August 13th, followed by the Cabernet Sauvignon, between August 26th and 28th, confirming a very late vintage. Fortunately, fine, sunny and cool weather during September removed the threat of botrytis (grey rot). The grapes were able to build up sugar and polyphenol concentration. By the end of September, phenolic potential was high, potential alcoholic degrees very reasonable (between 12.8° and 13.5°) and the ripeness of the tannins was such that amazingly ripe grapes were harvested. The harvest took place from September 29th to October 11th 2008 will therefore long be remembered as particularly difficult vintage (a very big threat of disease _ even greater than in 2007). There was also permanent rain, though actual rainfall was light _to the extent that the year is classed as a dry one. This year, once again, careful canopy management (de budding, precision de-leafing and crop thinning) was crucial in order to keep the vines healthy.
Appearance
Rich and full with deep red highlights.
Aroma
Lovely red fruit, showing ripeness and a mixture of subtly toasty, truffly aromas mingled with hints of spices and forest floor _ already quite complex.
Palate
A touch lively on the attack but pleasantly firm and rounded as it develops on the palate. The tannins are lovely, elegant and silky and very persistent through to the finish which is elegant, refined and mouth-watering.
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