LOUIS ROEDERER

A very familiar Champagne name, but well worth our drawing attention to it because it's almost two years since we last reviewed it. This, then, is obviously a different cuvée, but we were just as impressed as we were then by the fruity finesse, the biscuity, chalky depth and fine, creamy texture. Rating: 92 The Wine Gang - www.thewinegang.com (Jun 2016)

The NV Brut Premier is bold, powerful and intense. Hazelnut, smoke, dried pear, mint and savory herbs are all pushed forward. In this release, the Brut Premier is a bit brash and unpolished, with less of its typical finesse. Let's just say I was not surprised to scan the back label and learn that this release is based on the 2011 vintage. Even Roederer could not overcome the significant challenges presented by the 2011 vintage. Drinking range: 2015 - 2018 Rating: 86 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Nov 2015)

Beautifully composed reduction across lemon citrus, white peach, cherries and deeper, more savory notes of spice and grilled nuts; fresh and complex at once. The palate's assertively flavored, yet runs on a smooth and fine textural thread. Acidity is paramount, redder fruits hold court here. Great balance and depth. Rating: 92 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Jul 2015)

Chalky and honeyed, light oak bringing the wine into the attractive mid-weight and delicate food range. (Commended).Decanter World Wine Awards 2015 (Jul 2015)

Swanky summer picnics at Glyndebourne, Henley and the like need a big name bottle to match. I have long had a soft spot for the gorgeous, rich, honeyed, biscuity flavours of Roederer’s Brut Premier, around 40 per cent each of pinot noir and chardonnay, but topped up with a good dollop of pinot meunier too. Roederer’s elegant fruit and persistent mousse is precisely what you would expect from one of the few grandes marques champagne houses to remain family run and, more importantly, whose own vineyards account for almost two thirds of its Brut Premier grapes. Delicious now, even finer next summer.Jane MacQuitty, The Times (Jun 2015)

(40% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir and 20% Pinot Meunier): Pale gold. Spice- and mineral-accented orchard and pit fruits on the intensely perfumed nose, with hints of toasty lees and brioche adding complexity. Sappy, penetrating and floral on the palate, offering juicy Meyer lemon, pear and melon flavors braced by a smoky mineral underpinning. Closes spicy and very long, leaving a sexy honeysuckle note behind. Rating: 91 Josh Raynolds, www.vinousmedia.com (Jan 2015)

We're not sure if it's a new cuvée or vintage since we last tasted this stylish Champagne more than a year ago but it's currently better than ever, two fifths each of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and a fifth Pinot Meunier creating a fine, subtle biscuity aroma and a delicately creamy mousse of light toasty bubbles that dance to a textured, super-elegant tune. Rating: 91 The Wine Gang - www.thewinegang.com (Aug 2014)

There's a lovely creaminess that underpins the current release of this Louis Roederer cuvée, but there's plenty of buttered toast richness, well-defined bubbles and a firm baked apple mellow character to finish. A winning classic, if that's what you're after. Rating: 89 The Wine Gang - www.thewinegang.com

One of the most revered and respected names in the Champagne world, this is the connoisseurs’, non-vintage choice this Christmas and the price really is a treat, too. Unlimited finesse and complexity, this is a mellow, beautiful wine with immense breeding and distinction. The Ten Best Christmas Bubbles, December 2011Matthew Jukes www.matthewjukes.com

If I were the sort of person who could afford to have a house champagne, then Roederer's "basic" offering is the one I'd choose. It's a brilliantly consistent, full-throated combination of thrillingly precise acidity with flavours of citrus, toast and patisserie. A reliably fine aperitif. November 2011. The 10 best Christmas sparkling wines and champagnes.David Williams, The Observer

Roederer is one of the champagne greats, owning more vineyards than any other leading house and which supplies two thirds of its grape needs. Brut Premier (40% pinot noir, 40% chardonnay and 20% pinot meunier) is one of my favourite non-vintage champagnes, with a distinctively rich, honeyed, biscuity and notably full-bodied style. Celebrations were made for this.Jane MacQuitty, The Times

Fine, dry nose with lemon sorbet notes. Balanced with toast and apple zest on palate. Young but clean, refined and elegant. Rating: Bronze Award Decanter World Wine Awards 2010

Bright aromas of apple and baking spices. Creamy, fat and rich but not at all heavy. Slightly exotic flavors of baked apple, pear and baking spices. In part due to its substantial body, this wine gives the impression of a fairly full dosage Finishes nicely firm and clean. Rating: 88 Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar (Nov 2003)