Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/859549
{ SOMMjournal.com } 99 Fred Dame, MS, VP/Prestige Accounts for American Wine & Spirits, a division of Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits of California. PHOTO: COURTESY OF ROEDERER Fred Dame, MS, VP/Prestige Accounts for American Wine & Spirits, a division of Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits of California Champagne Louis Roederer 2010 Blanc de Blancs 100% Chardonnay; 20% of the wine is vinified in oak casks; 9g/l dosage It is no great secret that the Côte des Blancs produces superb wines. Roederer has their Grand Cru vineyards in Mesnil-sur-Oger, Avize and Cramant to make their Blanc de Blancs even more spectacular. Five years en tirage, six months aging before release, proves their dedication to excellence. I love the flavor of this wine because no one element dominates it. There is a delicate balance in Chardonnay-based Champagne that must be respected or the varietal defini - tion disappears. This vintage has produced an epic wine of balance and power. A fine mousse, with a delicate golden hue reflecting the time en tirage. Lovely aromas of lemon pith, quince surrounded by the yeasty lees quality one would expect from a wine of this pedigree. Firm finish for a Chardonnay- based Champagne with a lingering touch of ripe fruit and arctic ice. PHOTO: CAL BINGHAM