2009 Louis Roederer

The 2009 Brut Vintage is fascinating to taste next to the 2012. Time in bottle has softened some of the edges, but the 2009 remains a gorgeous Champagne with tons of up-front appeal. Pastry, spice and a range of tropical notes show how much allure this ripe, radiant vintage has to offer. The 2009 is just entering its first plateau of maturity, that stage where its aromatics are starting to develop, and yet it also has more than enough freshness to drink well for another decade or more.

All of the natural richness and raciness of the year comes through in Roederer's 2009 Brut Vintage. Creamy, ample and generous, the 2009 radiates with Pinot character. Dried pear, hazelnut, spice and anise add layers of nuance to this super-expressive and highly pleasurable Champagne. All the elements are simply in harmony.

The 2009 Brut Vintage is a rich, racy wine. Dried apricot, pear, spice, smoke and anise notes give the 2009 its overt, voluptuous personality. Creamy and ample on the palate, the 2009 Brut Vintage captures all of the radiance and intensity of this ripe vintage. This is an especially succulent style, but it all works nicely. It's not exactly a mini-Cristal, but it will give readers a glimpse into what makes these Champagnes so compelling, at a fraction of the price.