Louis Roederer Collection 246 is an exceptional multi-vintage Brut Champagne, awarded 94 points by Wine Enthusiast and 94 points by Falstaff, with 93+ points from JebDunnuck.com and 93 points each from James Suckling, Wine Spectator and Vinous. Built around the challenging 2021 harvest and complemented by an extensive selection of reserve wines, it offers remarkable freshness, refined texture, delicate effervescence and an expressive, saline finish.

Collection 246 represents the 246th blend in the history of Champagne Louis Roederer. It belongs to the House's Collection series, conceived as a new expression of multi-vintage Champagne and a worthy successor to the historic Brut Premier cuvée.

Unlike a conventional non-vintage Champagne designed to reproduce an identical flavour profile with every release, the Collection series celebrates the character of each principal harvest while preserving the House's distinctive balance, refinement and winemaking philosophy.

The 2021 harvest presented extraordinary difficulties for Champagne's winegrowers. Louis Roederer describes it as one of the most challenging growing seasons since 1958, with exceptionally low yields requiring sustained vineyard attention and meticulous fruit selection.

The cellar team responded with an unusually high proportion of Chardonnay, creating a wine of exceptional freshness and finely defined mineral character. The final blend comprises 54% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir and 11% Meunier.

The wines from the 2021 harvest form 55% of the final composition. They are complemented by 35% Réserve Perpétuelle, incorporating wines from 2012 through 2020, and 10% separately selected oak-aged reserve wines originating from harvests between 2012 and 2017.

The Réserve Perpétuelle brings continuity, aromatic complexity and depth to the freshness of the younger wines. The oak-aged reserves provide further texture and savoury character, helping create a remarkably complete multi-vintage composition.

In the glass, Collection 246 displays a bright, luminous Champagne colour accompanied by exceptionally fine, regular bubbles.

The bouquet opens with yellow-fruit aromas of mirabelle plum and nectarine, followed by candied lemon, delicate vanilla and subtle toasted nuances. Fine, shellfish-like savoury impressions introduce an additional dimension of mineral complexity.

On the palate, the wine is surprisingly light and delicate, with ripe peach and subtle floral-pollen notes. Its gentle, creamy mousse creates an inviting texture, while precise chalky freshness gives the Champagne impressive energy and definition.

The middle palate is beautifully textured, combining delicate richness with an almost powdery mineral quality and exceptional vibrancy.

The finish is graceful and refreshing, with subtle smoky and toasted impressions contributed by the perpetual reserve, supported by a distinctive saline character.

The exceptional Chardonnay proportion lends Collection 246 a certain resemblance to the finesse and chalk-driven personality of a Blanc de Blancs Champagne, although the finished cuvée also incorporates Pinot Noir and Meunier.

Combining the craftsmanship of Champagne Louis Roederer, outstanding reserve-wine complexity, fine bubbles and beautifully precise freshness, Collection 246 is an excellent choice for Champagne enthusiasts, sophisticated dining, thoughtful gifting and memorable celebrations.

Louis Roederer describes the 2021 Champagne growing season as exceptionally demanding, requiring extraordinary commitment from the vineyard team and careful decisions throughout the harvest period.

A Challenging Growing Year: The producer identifies 2021 as one of the most difficult winegrowing years experienced since 1958.

Vineyard Management: Difficult conditions required constant attention to vineyard health, grape development and the selection of suitable fruit.

Low Yields: The château reports reduced production resulting from the challenging season. No numerical vineyard yield is given in the supplied technical sheet.

Harvest Start: September 13, 2021.

Harvest Completion: September 30, 2021.

Chardonnay: The variety plays an especially important role in the final blend, contributing freshness, delicacy and precise mineral definition.

Pinot Noir: Selected Pinot Noir contributes complementary fruit, body and texture, supporting the more sharply defined Chardonnay.

Meunier: Adds aromatic fruit and roundness while preserving the wine's lively balance.

Blending Response: The unusually high proportion of Chardonnay and extensive reserve-wine contribution help shape the wine's delicate, precise character.

Overall Vintage Expression: The 2021 base wines provide a fresh, light and finely structured foundation, complemented by the depth and maturity of the reserves.

Collection 246 is based on the 2021 harvest, but it is not a vintage Champagne. Forty-five percent of the blend comes from wines produced in earlier years.

Collection 246 reflects Louis Roederer's multi-vintage blending philosophy, bringing together three distinct wine components to create balance, freshness, depth and continuity.

55% — Wines from the 2021 Harvest: The principal component provides the fresh, delicate and precisely structured foundation of the cuvée.

With 2021 being an especially challenging year, meticulous selection was essential in identifying wines suited to the Collection style.

35% — Réserve Perpétuelle: A continuously maintained selection of wines originating from harvests between 2012 and 2020.

First established in 2012, this reserve connects successive Collection editions through a common foundation of freshness, maturity and aromatic complexity.

The Réserve Perpétuelle contributes depth without sacrificing the vitality of the base harvest, helping the finished Champagne achieve a distinctive balance.

10% — Oak-Aged Reserve Wines: Selected reserve wines from the 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 harvests provide additional texture, aromatic richness and savoury complexity.

The producer's importer identifies the separate oak-aged reserves as wines sourced from younger vines in vineyards associated with Cristal.

Total Wines Vinified in Oak: Twenty-four percent of the entire Collection 246 blend underwent vinification in French oak foudres.

This 24% figure describes total oak vinification and is distinct from the 10% reserve-wine component aged in oak.

Malolactic Fermentation: Thirty percent of the wines underwent this process, helping shape texture while preserving the final cuvée's crisp freshness.

Dosage: Seven grams per litre, balancing the fruit and creating a precise Brut style.

The result is an intricate expression of the Collection philosophy: the energy of a challenging base harvest combined with the depth, continuity and complexity of older reserve wines.

Official Producer Assessment: A finely balanced, delicate and lively Champagne displaying ripe yellow fruit, candied citrus, subtle vanilla, savoury mineral nuances, creamy bubbles and a graceful, saline finish.

Appearance: Bright Champagne-gold with luminous reflections.

Effervescence: Exceptionally fine, even and gently persistent bubbles.

Yellow-Fruit Aromas: Mirabelle plum, ripe nectarine and fresh peach.

Citrus Aromas: Candied lemon, complemented by additional citrus impressions in professional tastings.

Floral Character: Delicate floral-pollen notes contribute aromatic freshness.

Oak Influence: Subtle vanilla, toast and gentle roasted aromas from the oak-vinified wine components.

Savoury Character: Fine shellfish-like reductive nuances contribute an iodised and finely sculpted mineral impression.

Palate: Exceptionally light and delicate, with peach, gentle florals and an elegant structure.

Mousse: Soft, creamy and beautifully integrated, creating a refined mouthfeel.

Texture: Fresh and vibrant with a subtle richness and powdery mineral sensation.

Minerality: Chalky, savoury and saline, providing tension and a distinctly refreshing palate.

Finish: Graceful, clean and persistent, with delicate smoke and toast from the perpetual reserve.

Overall Style: A Chardonnay-led, multi-vintage Champagne displaying remarkable lightness, purity, creamy texture and chalk-driven precision.

The principal tasting descriptors follow Louis Roederer's official Collection 246 technical sheet. Additional critic-specific aromas are attributed separately below.

Louis Roederer Collection 246 has received 94 points from Wine Enthusiast and Falstaff, 93+ points from JebDunnuck.com and 93-point assessments from several major wine publications.

• 94 Points — Wine Enthusiast, Anna-Christina Cabrales, April 2026: Recognised for fresh pear, bergamot and finely defined chalky character. The review admires the Champagne's energetic, composed palate and long, saline finish. Awarded an Editors' Choice designation.
• 94 Points — Falstaff, September 28, 2026: A panel tasting highlights bergamot, ripe peach, pear and subtle flint, complemented by iodine-like notes, refreshing mint, candied citrus and distinctive chalky minerality.
• 93+ Points — JebDunnuck.com, Audrey Frick, December 2025: Praises the Champagne's pure citrus character, lemon curd, white grapefruit and white peach, supported by refined mousse and refreshing acidity.
• 93 Points — James Suckling, July 2025: The review, authored by Claire Nesbitt, recognises pear, apple blossom, grapefruit and chalk, together with a silky palate, soft bubbles and elegant balance.
• 93 Points — Wine Spectator, Alison Napjus, 2025: Highlights white cherry, crisp apple, tangerine peel and biscuit, complemented by floral and delicate spice characteristics. Recommended drinking through 2030.
• 93 Points — Vinous, Antonio Galloni, 2025: Recognises a particularly successful Collection release, combining orchard fruit, mint, white pepper, slate and energetic salinity. Galloni particularly admires its seamless texture and precision.
• 93 Points — View From the Cellar, John Gilman, June 2026: Identifies pear, apple, bread dough, almond, white flowers and chalk. Praises the wine's mineral drive, elegant mousse and lasting freshness.
• 17.5/20 — JancisRobinson.com, Andy Howard MW, June 2026: Admires the Champagne's purity, carefully judged weight, creamy texture, fine bubbles and persistent acidity.
• 92 Points — Decanter, Helena Nicklin, September 2025: Recognises apple blossom, spiced pear, citrus peel and brioche, together with a refined chalky texture and elegant balance.

The consistent critical themes are freshness, precision, delicacy, chalk-driven minerality and impressive reserve-wine complexity.

Unlike Collection 243, which featured a rich 2018 base harvest, Collection 246 is defined by a more delicate, Chardonnay-led expression shaped by the demanding 2021 growing season.

These scores apply specifically to Collection 246 and should not be transferred to Collection 243, 244, 245 or Cristal.

Louis Roederer Collection 246 is produced from three traditional Champagne grape varieties, with Chardonnay comprising more than half the final blend.

• Chardonnay: 54%
• Pinot Noir: 35%
• Meunier: 11%
• 2021 Base Harvest: 55%
• Réserve Perpétuelle: 35%
• Oak-Aged Reserve Wines: 10%
• Total Wine Vinified in Oak: 24%
• Malolactic Fermentation: 30%
• Dosage: 7 g/L

Chardonnay: The principal variety contributes exceptional freshness, floral precision, chalky minerality and a delicate, almost Blanc de Blancs-like character.

Pinot Noir: Brings fruit character, body and supple structure, balancing the wine's lively acidity.

Meunier: Complements the blend through additional aromatic fruit and a rounded, approachable dimension.

Perpetual Reserve: The reserve established in 2012 includes wines from successive harvests through 2020, bringing continuity and complexity to the finished Champagne.

Oak-Aged Reserves: Separately selected wines from 2012 through 2017 add mature aromatic depth and texture.

French Oak Foudres: Twenty-four percent of the total blend was vinified in oak vessels, providing delicate toasted notes and additional textural complexity.

Malolactic Fermentation: Thirty percent of the wines underwent this process, contributing softness while retaining freshness in the overall blend.

Dosage: Seven grams of sugar per litre, supporting the dry Brut style and the Champagne's precise balance.

Harvest: The 2021 base wines were harvested between September 13 and September 30.

Result: A fine, delicately textured and distinctly fresh Champagne combining Chardonnay precision with the generous complexity of carefully preserved older wines.

Collection 246 draws fruit from carefully selected vineyards situated across Champagne's historic winegrowing regions.

The producer identifies three principal estate origins, each contributing approximately one-third of the blend's geographical sourcing.

La Rivière — Vallée de la Marne: Contributes expressive fruit and a complementary dimension of richness and texture.

La Montagne — Montagne de Reims: Provides important Pinot Noir character and structure, including carefully selected fruit suited to the 2021 growing conditions.

La Côte — Côte des Blancs: Associated with Chardonnay, whose natural finesse, acidity and chalk-driven mineral character are especially important in Collection 246.

The House blends grapes cultivated on its own estates with fruit sourced from selected partner winegrowers.

These partner vineyards are chosen for their location in Champagne's preferred winegrowing terroirs and their suitability for the Collection style.

The producer emphasises careful, sustainable vineyard management and the expression of each site's natural characteristics.

The unusual Chardonnay prominence of Collection 246 enhances its finely defined chalky character, creating a remarkably delicate and refreshing expression of multi-vintage Champagne.

Collection and Cristal are distinct cuvées from Champagne Louis Roederer, each with an independent blending philosophy, vineyard selection and character.

Collection 246: A multi-vintage Brut Champagne based on the 2021 harvest and complemented by perpetual and oak-aged reserves.

Its style centres on freshness, delicate texture, chalky precision and harmonious reserve-wine complexity.

Cristal: The House's historic vintage prestige cuvée, produced from selected vineyard parcels and a distinct winemaking programme.

Certain reserve wines used in Collection are sourced from younger vines in vineyards associated with Cristal. This does not make Collection 246 a Cristal Champagne.

The two cuvées have different blends, maturation profiles and critical assessments.

Collection 246 should be appreciated as an exceptional expression of Louis Roederer's multi-vintage craftsmanship, rather than marketed through Cristal's ratings or specifications.

Champagne Louis Roederer recommends serving its Champagnes with care to preserve their delicate bubbles, aromatic precision and refreshing character.

• Serving Temperature: Approximately 9–12°C, depending on the maturity of the Champagne.
• Glassware: A thin-rimmed, tulip-shaped wine glass with sufficient space for aromatic development.
• Current Enjoyment: Collection 246 can be enjoyed for its youthful purity, fresh citrus and chalky character.
• Wine Spectator Drinking Guidance: Enjoy now through 2030, according to Alison Napjus.
• View From the Cellar Drinking Window: 2026–2060, according to John Gilman's June 2026 assessment.
• Further Cellaring: A few additional years may contribute greater complexity and integration under appropriate storage conditions.
• Recommended Cellar Temperature: Approximately 8–14°C, without significant fluctuations.
• Light Protection: Keep bottles away from natural and artificial light.
• Humidity: The producer recommends approximately 80% humidity or higher.
• Storage Orientation: Horizontal storage in a suitable cellar.
• Storage Environment: Cool, dark, ventilated and protected from excessive vibration and strong odours.

BBPH Guidance: Collection 246's lively freshness makes it particularly enjoyable as an aperitif, while its delicate savoury complexity also supports sophisticated food pairings.

The condition and development of individual bottles depend on their disgorgement date, storage history and handling.

Critic drinking windows reflect individual professional assessments and are not guarantees of future bottle quality.

Louis Roederer recommends pairing its Champagnes with dishes that complement their delicate aromatics and refined structure, while avoiding excessively powerful or spicy flavours.

• Bellota Ham: Finely sliced premium ham for a sophisticated aperitif.
• Raw or Marinated Fish: Delicate seafood with restrained acidity and seasoning.
• Gougères: Light French cheese pastries that complement Champagne's savoury character.
• Foie Gras: Carefully prepared, delicately flavoured foie gras, especially with Champagne that has developed greater maturity.
• White Fish: Gently prepared fish with subtle herbs and a restrained sauce.
• Poultry: Refined chicken or other poultry preparations with balanced savoury accompaniments.

These recommendations come from Louis Roederer's general Champagne pairing guidance and are not presented as an exclusive menu for Collection 246.

The delicacy, creamy mousse, chalky mineral character and refreshing acidity of Collection 246 make it a versatile gastronomic Champagne.

• Fresh Oysters: Premium oysters served simply, complementing the wine's saline character.
• Oscietra Caviar: Carefully presented caviar with restrained accompaniments that preserve the Champagne's precision.
• Scallop Crudo: Delicate scallops with citrus zest and a light dressing.
• Smoked Salmon: Finely sliced smoked salmon with fresh herbs and a restrained citrus accent.
• Poached Prawns: Tender prawns served with gentle seasoning and lemon.
• Fresh Crab: Delicate crab meat or a lightly dressed crab tart.
• Roasted Sea Bass: White fish with fresh herbs and a subtle savoury sauce.
• Roast Chicken: Herb-roasted poultry with a light pan jus.
• Wild Mushroom Tart: Delicate pastry with earthy mushrooms and restrained seasoning.
• Comté Cheese: Carefully selected Comté with balanced nutty and savoury characteristics.
• Truffle Gougères: Light cheese pastries with a subtle truffle accent.

The best pairings complement the Champagne's elegant freshness rather than overwhelm its fine floral and mineral characteristics.

These additional pairing recommendations are curated by Barrels & Beyond PH and are not presented as official Collection 246 producer recommendations.

• Producer: Champagne Louis Roederer
• Brand: Louis Roederer
• Product Name: Louis Roederer Collection 246 Brut Champagne
• Collection Edition: 246
• Country: France
• Region: Champagne
• Appellation: Champagne AOC
• Wine Type: White Sparkling Wine
• Wine Style: Multi-Vintage Brut Champagne
• Vintage Classification: Multi-Vintage / Non-Vintage
• Base Harvest: 2021
• Chardonnay: 54%
• Pinot Noir: 35%
• Meunier: 11%
• 2021 Harvest Contribution: 55%
• Réserve Perpétuelle: 35%
• Perpetual Reserve Vintages: 2012–2020
• Oak-Aged Reserve Component: 10%
• Oak-Aged Reserve Vintages: 2012–2017
• Total Wines Vinified in Oak: 24%
• Oak Vessels: French Oak Foudres
• Malolactic Fermentation: 30%
• Dosage: 7 g/L
• Harvest Start: September 13, 2021
• Harvest Completion: September 30, 2021
• 2021 Growing Season: Exceptionally Challenging; Low Yields
• Vineyard Origins: La Rivière, La Montagne, La Côte
• Regional Origin Proportions: Approximately One-Third Each
• Grape Supply: Louis Roederer Estate Vineyards and Selected Partner Growers
• Vineyard Philosophy: Sustainable Viticultural Practices
• Bottle Size: 750ml Standard Format; Confirm Supplied Stock
• Alcohol Content: Verify Supplied Bottle Label; 12.5% Reported by Wine Enthusiast
• Appearance: Bright Champagne-Gold
• Effervescence: Fine, Even, Soft Bubbles
• Official Fruit Aromas: Mirabelle Plum, Nectarine, Candied Lemon, Peach
• Official Floral Notes: Pollen
• Official Oak and Savoury Notes: Vanilla, Shellfish-Like Nuances, Smoke, Toast
• Palate: Delicate, Creamy, Vibrant, Chalky and Saline
• Finish: Graceful, Savoury, Fresh and Persistent
• Wine Enthusiast: 94 Points, Anna-Christina Cabrales, April 2026
• Falstaff: 94 Points, September 2026
• JebDunnuck.com: 93+ Points, Audrey Frick
• James Suckling: 93 Points
• Wine Spectator: 93 Points, Alison Napjus
• Vinous: 93 Points, Antonio Galloni
• View From the Cellar: 93 Points, John Gilman
• JancisRobinson.com: 17.5/20, Andy Howard MW
• Decanter: 92 Points, Helena Nicklin
• Recommended Serving Temperature: 9–12°C
• Recommended Glassware: Thin-Rimmed Tulip-Shaped Wine Glass
• Recommended Cellar Temperature: 8–14°C
• Storage: Cool, Dark, Stable, Vibration-Free Conditions
• Allergen: Contains Sulphites; Verify Bottle Label
• Food Pairings: Oysters, Caviar, Seafood, Poultry, Gougères, Mushrooms, Aged Cheese

Founded in 1776, Champagne Louis Roederer is one of France's distinguished family-owned Champagne houses.

The House has developed an international reputation through meticulous vineyard cultivation, careful grape selection and a commitment to expressing the character of Champagne's exceptional terroirs.

Its historic Brut Premier cuvée became a celebrated expression of the Louis Roederer style, combining balance, freshness and refined texture.

The introduction of Collection marked a new direction in the House's approach to multi-vintage blending.

Each numbered edition reflects a particular base harvest, complemented by carefully selected reserve wines.

The Réserve Perpétuelle, established in 2012, provides continuity and aromatic complexity across successive editions.

Separate oak-aged reserve wines introduce additional texture and depth, while the winemaking team selects grape varieties and vineyard origins according to the personality of each release.

Under Cellar Master Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon, the Collection series reflects an increasingly precise understanding of terroir, sustainable cultivation and the art of blending.

Collection 246 exemplifies this philosophy through its unusually high Chardonnay proportion, remarkable freshness, intricate reserves and beautifully balanced mineral character.

At Barrels & Beyond PH, we appreciate Louis Roederer Collection 246 for its exceptional freshness, finely textured mousse and beautifully sculpted mineral character.

The relatively delicate 2021 base harvest combines with the depth of the Réserve Perpétuelle and selected oak-aged wines to create a Champagne that is precise without being austere.

Its expressive orchard fruit, delicate citrus, creamy bubbles and distinctive chalky salinity make it particularly versatile for fine dining and sophisticated entertaining.

With 94-point ratings from Wine Enthusiast and Falstaff, an unusually Chardonnay-rich blend and the craftsmanship of Champagne Louis Roederer, Collection 246 is an elegant selection for Champagne enthusiasts, memorable celebrations and thoughtful gifting.