Grape: 42% Chardonnay, 36% Pinot Noir, 22% Meunier

Tasting Notes:  Apple, Almonds, Brioche, Meyer Lemon

This Roederer NV is a new-format non-vintage that designates the year of the 242nd harvest, 2017, plus reserve wine of 2009, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016. Six years ago, a crucial decision was taken by Roederer to change the process of buying Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Meunier grapes. Now, the house no longer buys grapes but rather rents plots under long-term contracts in chosen sites

This debut release is very impressive indeed. Medium to full-bodied, pillowy and textural, complex and expressive, it's concentrated and layered, with lively acids. The 242 was also bottled with a bit less sugar than the norm, which results in lower atmospheres of pressure in the bottle and silkier texture. Flavors of almond, gingerbread, white cherry, crunchy pineapple, Meyer lemon, lime, minerals, brioche, and apples caress the palate. The finish is energetic and fresh. A good match with monkfish, shell fish and, of course, oysters.