Collection 244 (2019 base) 93VM/92WA

*compare to Krug Grand Cuvee $275+
Recent Krug Grand Cuvee Scores
171st edition: 94WA – $275 US low

95 points Tyson Stelzer (The Champagne Guide): “(tasted in 2024 in Australia; 33% pinot noir, 41% chardonnay, 26% meunier; one-third ‘La Rivire, one-third ‘La Montagne’ and one-third ‘La Cte’; 50% estate and 50% purchased fruit from growers; 2019 base vintage (5% vinified in oak); 36% reserve perpetuelle of every vintage from 2012 to 2018; 10% oak-aged reserves from 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018; 35% malolactic fermentation; 7g/L dosage). The freshness and energy of Collection 244 are on grand display and has not diminished one iota since its first release. The magnificent 2019 base was in a more confident place when it first landed than 242 and 243 before it, which both blossomed after an additional year on cork. Do not underestimate 244, and dont miss a moment of the spectacle set to unravel over the coming months, years and even decades. This is a masterful interplay of primary fruit, with the spicy, honeyed, roast nut layers of substantial reserves and oak fermentation and maturation, energised equally by malic tension and saline chalk minerality, nudged with just the right level of phenolic tension that lends neither graininess nor bitterness. This is not only an exceptional Collection, it is also a grand declaration of the fine-tuned detail of the evolution of Collection and the triumphant achievement of upholding the holy grail of freshness and tension even in such a warm season. (2024)”

94 points Stuart Pigott (JamesSuckling.com): “The first impression is as invigorating as a sea breeze. I love the interplay of mirabelle, grapefruit and lychee fruit with minty freshness and waxiness from lees contact. And all this is welded to a beautifully proportioned palate with plenty of structure, the acidity bright and the mousse animating. Very salty finish that pulls you back for more. A cuvee of 41% chardonnay, 33% pinot noir and 26% pinot meunier. Of these, 15% fermented in oak and 85% in stainless steel. The final blend contained 36% reserve perpetual and 10% reserve wines of the 2012 – 2018 vintage from oak. The dosage is 7 g/l. Drink or hold. (8/7/23)”

94 points Jasper Morris, MW (Inside Burgundy): “Even though 2019 follows the modern trend for warm, ripe vintages, harvesting was a couple of weeks later than in 2018, translating into superior phenolic presence. An aromatic bouquet of flowery-acacia hints at the higher Meunier. The structure is firmer than the 2018 base; the pear-like fruit is streaked with dazzling acidity. With a bit of coaxing, the ubiquitous tangerine aroma (citrus with an added saline condiment) emerges with time in the glass (as the perpetual reserve makes itself known). A faint umami savouriness haunts the finish, an aroma that appears to be the signature of early-release 2019-based champagnes. This edition will take a year or so in bottle to relax, eschew the phenolic bitterness of recent disgorgement, and build fruit. 41% Chardonnay, 26% Meunier, and 33% Pinot Noir. 54% 2019 vintage (5% vinified in oak), 36% Perpetual Reserve (2012-2018), and 10% Reserve wines (2009-2018, aged in oak). Disgorged in spring 2023 with a dosage of 7g/l. (1/24/24)”

94 pointsFalstaff Guide: “Very pale yellow-green with silver reflections. Delicate meadow herbs, some walnut, a hint of pineapple and mango, and candied grapefruit zest on the nose. The palate is juicy and elegant with ripe fruit nuances and a silky, already very well developed profile It’s cream and lingers for a long time, making for a generous food companion. The clearly chalky character shows the vintage of the base. (10/4/24)”

93+ points William Kelley (Wine Advocate): “Based on the 2019 vintage, Roederer’s NV Brut Collection 244 is the finest release of the house’s reimagined non-vintage Brut to date. Offering up aromas of pear, peach and nectarine mingled with notions of white flowers, beeswax, freshly baked bread and buttery pastry, it’s medium to full-bodied, layered and fleshy, with a pretty pinpoint mousse, racy acids and a long, chalky finish. The quality of the base vintage really shines through. Drink: 2023-2032. (12/14/23)”

93 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): “The NV Collection 244 is gorgeous. Bright and focused, with a lovely cut, the 244 is immediately captivating. Dried pear, chamomile, herbs, mint and crushed rocks abound. Based on the 2019 vintage with 36% perpetual reserve wines from vintages 2012-2018, this vibrant, wonderfully crystalline Champagne impresses from beginning to end. Saline notes extend the finish effortlessly. Dosage is 7 grams per liter. Drink: 2023-2030. (Nov 2023)”

93 pointsWine Spectator: “[$70 list] An elegant Champagne, with bright acidity buoying a well-integrated range of ripe pear and white cherry, almond skin, fleur de sel and apple blossom notes. Fine and seamless, with a lingering, spiced finish. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier. Drink now through 2028. (2023)”

93 points Tom Hewson (Decanter): “The powerful, ripe side of 2019 is on shown here, with white peach and mandarin flavours held in place by the toasty, savoury citrus oil snap of the perpetual reserve. Still feels youthful and fragrant with juicy pear, blossom and almond notes. Will show even better with another six months. 41% Chardonnay, 33% Pinot Noir and 26% Meunier. 54% from the 2019 base vintage, with 36% perpetual reserve and 10% reserve wines in oak. Drinking Window: 2023-2028. (Oct 2023)”

ORIGINS
1/3 “La Rivire” vineyards
1/3 “La Montagne” vineyards
1/3 “La Cte” vineyards
Grapes grown on Louis Roederer’s own estates are complemented by grapes from our partner winegrowers plots selected from the “Heart of the Terroir”, none of which see any herbicides or artificial treatments.