A spectacular year.

Cold and dry with some complications during the flowering phase, in particular on the Chardonnays, which led to poor fruit set and therefore small sized clusters of exceptional concentration. The summer weather was also very challenging owing to alternate high temperatures and rainy spells. The 20% water deficit gave us wines with incredible aromatic concentration, reminiscent of the fine wines of Burgundy with an exceptional balance, maturity and acidity. The wines from 1996 are simply outstanding with a fresh, distinctive and intensely mineral character

This champagne offers all the seductive charm of a fine wine with its smoky, slightly iodised temperament whilst its concentration and complexity are reminiscent of some of the best northern Rhône whites.

The palate is concentrated, energetic and fresh and has an incredible sapid feel to it along with notes of orange peel and a chalky texture. This is a deliciously juicy and refined wine with a lingering saline character and notes of white pepper. 

The ultimate pairing : Turbot, a scallop carpaccio or unsweetened cocoa desserts.

Having been carefully preserved for many long years in the complete darkness of the Louis Roederer cellars, in perfect temperature and humidity conditions, these vintage champagnes are now reaching the peak of their maturity, the very apex of their potential.