Louis Roederer Blanc de Blancs Brut Champagne 2016

Enveloping nose of fresh wheat and white tree fruits plus lemon zest freshness and a touch of flint. Stunning balance of creaminess from sur lie maturation with elegant and mineral acidity. Very long finish that’s simultaneously pristine, chalky and silky. From four plots in the Grand Cru village of Avize. Finished at just 4.5 atmospheres of pressure, which is deliberately below the norm of six. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drink or hold [into early 2030s+]. Score – 96. (Stuart Pigott, jamessuckling.com, Aug. 7, 2023)