Louis Roederer Brut Rose (Gift Box)

Salmon pink hue with bright red tints. Deep, intense colour. The bubbles are fine yet vibrant and energetic. The summery bouquet shows exceptional intensity and freshness with its aromas of ripe, juicy stone fruit (wild peach) complemented by zesty red fruit (redcurrant) and citrus notes (blood orange). Upon aeration, the nose develops more jammy notes of Roussillon red apricot. The palate is soft, juicy and concentrated on entry and then quickly shows a chalky, saline freshness that structures the wine and lends it a voluptuous yet delicate mouthfeel. The juicy, ripe fruit (nectarine and wild peach) and citrus (lemon) give the wine a fresh, zesty character that is underpinned by a subtle hint of bitterness. The soft, delicate bubbles coat the palate and impart a velvety texture. The end palate is mouth-watering and ever so slightly salty with discreet tannins and a lovely subtle bitterness that complements the incredible dry chalkiness of the wine and lingers on the seemingly never-ending finish.

Wine Advocate 91: Incorporating “the survivors of 2017,” as Jean-Baptiste Lecaillon notes, Roederer’s 2017 Brut Vintage Rosé is a fine effort in a year that was particularly challenging for red grapes, which were pressured by gray rot come harvest time. Heavily based on Pinot Noir, with fruit carefully selected during picking in Cumières, complemented by Chardonnay sourced from Chouilly, it offers a bouquet of strawberries, candied orange zest and spices. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, textural and ample, with a delicate infusion of Pinot Noir phenolics, vibrant acidity and a sapid finish. Disgorged with eight grams per liter dosage, it does not quite match the precision of its immediate predecessor.

James Suckling 94: A seductive, balanced and silky champagne rosé with aromas of apricot skins, mirabelles and stones, together with a touch of baking spices. In control and well balanced, with an attractive texture. Harmonious with fine bubbles and a laser-focused finish. Drink or hold.

Vinous 92: The 2017 Rosé is bright and finely sculpted. Crushed red berries, grapefruit, chalk, mint and white pepper lend palpable energy throughout. This is an especially nervy edition of the Rosé. It will appeal most to readers who enjoy taut, vibrant Champagnes. The blend is 62% Pinot Noir (all from Cumières) and 38% Chardonnay (from Chouilly), with the energy of Cumières very much driving the blend. The Pinot came in on the early side, which was necessary to avoid rot. It is a fine effort in a vintage in which Roederer made just two vintage Champagnes, the Rosé and a Blanc de Blancs. Dosage is 8 grams per liter.

Wine Enthusiast 95: Vineyards in Cumières, facing the Marne Valley, are the source of this ripe, full and balanced Champagne. The fruit of one year, with an aroma of roses and a rich, vibrant palate, the wine is opulent and full. Drink now.