This is the fifth vintage born of the collaboration between Maison Louis Roederer and creator/designer Philippe Starck. Originally conceived as something of a “laboratory” for the climatic future of Champagne, Brut Nature 2018 is produced exclusively in hot, dry years. It captures the essence of Cumières' black clay soils in a sunny vintage, and proffers an intriguing glimpse into the future of the region's viticulture.

This cuvée is 55% Pinot Noir, 25% Pinot Meunier, 20% Chardonnay and a touch of Pinot Blanc. This Champagne opens with a luminous, high toned, crystalline profile. There is a perfect presentation of the terroir, resulting in a harmonious balance of lemon blossom, limestone minerality, precise acidity, and waves of fruity, saline freshness. There is a tactile precision to this wine with an abundance of finely crushed stones and a hint of slivered almonds. This is an exercise in minimalism as Roederer redefines zero dosage. This would be perfect with oysters. For those who also like to taste on the second day, the precision softens gently, opening up to reveal delicious Meyer lemon and a lip-smacking, chalky finish

By Peter Pretzer