Today on The Friday Bubble Essi Avellan Master of wine and Nick Baker discuss Louis Roederer’s latest Collection 242 release in magnum. In September 2021 Louis Roederer Collection launched their new re-engineered non-vintage champagne, a result of work that began in spring 2013 when the first wines for this new cuvee were identified and put to one side. Now Collection 242 Magnum is launching, the Collection number represents the number of times they have made a non vintage since the inception of the house in 1776.
Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon set about his task in 2013 building a perpetual reserve, adding into it only those wines that displayed those fresh and minerally characters and it makes up 34% of the blend from 2012, 2013,2014 and 2016. The oak reserve wines, similar to how we use spices in a kitchen add depth of flavour, some 10% added from 2009, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016. The third element of this new champagne is the wines from the dominant year or base year, some 56% of the blend. These three elements combine to make a complex, yet super fresh champagne, that has complexity yet a delicate lightness. With Magnum effect this champagne is a must for any enthusiast; I would recommend you enjoy drinking it now and add some to your cellar for the future as these will age for many years.
