For what will be the last traditional Champagne Monday special of the year before we begin the long, exciting journey through the festive season with extensive house lineups connected to a weekend tasting, we hone in on the legendary name that has been busy celebrating 250 years of proud storied history in 2026 - Louis Roederer!
We last drew attention to their Collection series back in May with a limited magnum release of the previous iteration in the 245 - and now with the 247 on the horizon, it dawned on us that we are yet to feature the 246 - an utterly refreshing and finely weighted expression of the 2021 harvest. There were some difficult climate conditions through the season by admission of talented stalwart Jean-Baptiste Lecaillon (Roederer's chef de cave for almost three decades), who alongside his adroit vineyard teams, was able to harness a brilliant sense of mineral tension and sweeping structure by bumping up the percentage of Chardonnay.
The year produced considerably less yields, hence perhaps a shorter time on the market than the previous efforts, but we cannot hide our adoration for what unfurls in the glass here once the cork is popped. A generous aromatic serving of mirabelle plum, fresh lemon curd, caramelised nectarine and oaky vanilla notes that undoubtedly stem from the 24% of the blend that was vinified in French oak. It floats through the palate with some delicate peach, white pepper, chalky slate and honeyed apple, with the finish touching some creamier notes of biscuit, brioche and toasted walnuts. The balance between each of these elements is fantastic fun to watch unravel, and strike us as the ideal pairing for some asparagus risotto, truffle pastas, karaage chicken or some soft cheese - brie or camembert will do the trick.
We raise our collective glasses to the many years of palatable pleasure that Louis Roederer have brought us all. This 246 will be down on special at this great price through until the end of the year (or until this final allocation runs dry), before it takes a bow and leaves the stage with 247 waiting in the wings.
Jean-Baptiste Lecaillon (left), the house's immovable cellarmaster for over 27 years, smiling alongside CEO and descendant of Louis Roederer himself, Frédéric Rouzaud, celebrating the 250th anniversary in June.
'Celebrating our 250th anniversary is not about looking back with nostalgia. It is about recognising the enduring strength of what binds us together and reaffirming the ambition that drives us forward into our future. It means fully appreciating the immense privilege and responsibility of writing the next chapter of this story, which is, by its very nature, a collective one,' said Rouzand.
Louis Roederer Collection 246 NV
$92 on special ($109 RRP)
(Final run of this release until transition to 247)
// 54% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir and 11% Pinot Meunier (24% vinified in oak)
2021 base vintage (55%), with perpetual reserve wines from '12 to '20 (35%) and additional 10% reserve wines from '12 to '17 aged in oak (10%)
Aged on lees for three years before disgorgement early 2025
7g/L dosage
"The Louis Roederer Collection 246 is a safe and reliable purchase for extreme class, poise and seduction. It starts with hints of struck match and flint, stretching out into toasted rye bread and buckwheat. It has great concentration, a lacy and silky mousse, and lots of fresh acidity. A huge presence, melding pastry and brioche with lots of citrus freshness and complexity. Super. Top stuff." - 95 Points, Natalie Earl, Decanter
"A beautifully weighted and pure NV Champagne from Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon. Hits all the right spots. Plenty of weight and creamy texture, balanced by precise, focused fruit flavours, a super-fine mousse and freshening, lingering acidity on the finish. The Collection project goes from strength to strength." - 17.5/20 Points, Andy Howard MW, JancisRobinson.com
"The NV Brut Collection 246 is positively stellar. It’s a terrific example of where Roederer is going with this cuvée stylistically. Brisk saline notes cut through a core of orchard fruit, mint, white pepper and slate. There are no hard angles or awkward contours. The 246 is based on 2021, an extremely tricky vintage for Champagne. Chef de Caves Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon bumped up the percentage of Chardonnay considerably and focused on Pinots from the Montagne de Reims. About 30% of the lots underwent malolactic fermentation to soften the edges. Twenty-four percent of the wines were fermented in oak, the rest in tank. The 246 is impeccably done and absolutely delicious." - 93 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous
If you wish to purchase this champagne, please use the links above
If you have any questions, please contact us on (07)32521117 or email sales@thewineemporium.com.au
// Special prices valid until Monday the 9th of November