Roederer’s 2007 Brut Vintage Rose is surprisingly fruit driven and forward in this vintage, despite its mid-weight, gracious personality. The 2007 doesn’t have as much complexity or finesse as the best Roederer Champagnes, but it makes up for that with layers of rich, creamy fruit and a totally inviting finish. With time in the glass, the 2007 turns increasingly more delicate, but ultimately it remains a wine to enjoy young for its exceptional balance and sheer deliciousness. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2017. Roederer fans will find plenty of delicious wines in this lineup. Best of all, many of the best wines this year won’t break the bank. Unfortunately I did not taste Roederer’s NV wines, as the house does not list disgorgement dates or base vintages on their labels. Still, there are few estates in Champagne that are so consistently outstanding across their entire range.Importer: Maisons Marques & Domaines USA, Inc., Oakland, CA; tel. (510) 587-2000

White flowers, lemon, and crushed rocks are some of the notes that emerge from Roederer’s 2006 Blanc de Blancs. The 2006 boasts extraordinary elegance and finesse to match its rich, broad-shouldered personality. At the same time, there is plenty of Chardonnay character. Readers who enjoy wines with more tertiary complexity will want to give the 2006 a few years in the cellar, but it is absolutely striking, even today, for its finesse, balance and total sense of harmony. The Blanc de Blancs remains one of the under the radar jewels in the Roederer lineup. In 2006, it is not to be missed. The Blanc de Blancs is made exclusively from grand cru fruit, mostly Avize, Cramant and Mesnil, aged 20% in oak and bottled with four atmospheres of pressure (on the low side) to pReserve the elegance of the mousse. All of that worked beautifully here. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2021. Roederer fans will find plenty of delicious wines in this lineup. Best of all, many of the best wines this year won’t break the bank. Unfortunately I did not taste Roederer’s NV wines, as the house does not list disgorgement dates or base vintages on their labels. Still, there are few estates in Champagne that are so consistently outstanding across their entire range.Importer: Maisons Marques & Domaines USA, Inc., Oakland, CA; tel. (510) 587-2000

A deceptively soft Champagne. The initial attack is rounded with a delicious pear flavor, but definitely soft. Then tight mineral acidity adds its presence, producing a wine that is also very fresh, apple crisp, with a potential for aging and a long lingering aftertaste.——R.V.(12/1/2011)—— 92