Louis Roederer
Cristal Brut Champagne Chardonnay Pinot Noir Blend
Champagne, France
The 2004 Cristal is superb today. Bright and focused, the 2004 shows all of the tension and energy that has always been one of its signatures. The first hints of aromatic maturity are starting to develop, but the 2004 remains quite young and full of energy. I have always admired the 2004 (along with the best wines of the vintage) for its focus. In this bottle, the interplay of freshness from the recent 2018 disgorgement and richness gained through added time on the lees (which also results in lower dosage of 7 grams per liter) opens another window into the personality of Cristal. In 2004, the Pinot Noir is 57%, or a bit lower than normal, while the Chardonnay at 43% is correspondingly a touch higher. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, December 2019)
The 2004 Cristal is superb today. Bright and focused, the 2004 shows all of the tension and energy that has always been one of its signatures. The first hints of aromatic maturity are starting to develop, but the 2004 remains quite young and full of energy. I have always admired the 2004 (along with the best wines of the vintage) for its focus. In this bottle, the interplay of freshness from the recent 2018 disgorgement and richness gained through added time on the lees (which also results in lower dosage of 7 grams per liter) opens another window into the personality of Cristal. In 2004, the Pinot Noir is 57%, or a bit lower than normal, while the Chardonnay at 43% is correspondingly a touch higher. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, December 2019)
06 in 19. Cristal our of mag. Approachable and champagne aged rich
06 in 19. Cristal our of mag. Approachable and champagne aged rich
Dec 8th, 2019
It is almost unfair to rate this. A welcoming nose of citrus and apples leads to an austere mineral driven palate.
The finish is suffocated by an unyielding youthful structure . It did not feel like this vintage had the robust levels of acidity that the 2008 demonstrated..
It is almost unfair to rate this. A welcoming nose of citrus and apples leads to an austere mineral driven palate.
The finish is suffocated by an unyielding youthful structure . It did not feel like this vintage had the robust levels of acidity that the 2008 demonstrated..
Austere, minerals, tart citrus, and white flowers. Elevated/high acidity. Wait another 20 years....
Austere, minerals, tart citrus, and white flowers. Elevated/high acidity. Wait another 20 years....
Nov 26th, 2019
Magnum! This is amazing!! Very fine bubbles, white fruits and perfect balance with a very long finish.
Magnum! This is amazing!! Very fine bubbles, white fruits and perfect balance with a very long finish.
Nov 3rd, 2019At Come Taste The Stars Dinner hosted by Tyson Stelzer. Another 60/40 Pinot Noir/Chardonnay balance. More floral aromatics than the Winston. Similar to the 1996 vintage in many respects but a one week delay in picking over 1996 to gain better ripeness. Other differences were no malo in 1996 and for 2008 16% Malo. Also more oak influence in 2008 - 3% to 22%. 9 years on Lees. Tyson said it will not attain its full potential until 2038 and go on for another 20 years after that Great freshness minerality and tension. Tyson said this was the greatest Cristal he has ever had. At Montrachet Restaurant.
At Come Taste The Stars Dinner hosted by Tyson Stelzer. Another 60/40 Pinot Noir/Chardonnay balance. More floral aromatics than the Winston. Similar to the 1996 vintage in many respects but a one week delay in picking over 1996 to gain better ripeness. Other differences were no malo in 1996 and for 2008 16% Malo. Also more oak influence in 2008 - 3% to 22%. 9 years on Lees. Tyson said it will not attain its full potential until 2038 and go on for another 20 years after that Great freshness minerality and tension. Tyson said this was the greatest Cristal he has ever had. At Montrachet Restaurant.
Oct 11th, 2019Not the best example I have had for the 88 vintage but still enjoyable .
Not the best example I have had for the 88 vintage but still enjoyable .
Sep 7th, 2019
Sour and sweet yet still balanced. beautiful after 30 years
Sour and sweet yet still balanced. beautiful after 30 years
Aug 12th, 2019
This was opened to celebrate my wife and I’s 4-yr anniversary as well as our daughter being one month old. A wonderful anniversary treat, courtesy of a very good friend!
My first time checking in on the ‘09. Very open and totally balanced. Everything works in harmony here. Citrus driven aromatically and slightly reductive with the first glass showing some of those flint/match stick traits but the citrus pushed its way forward with lemon zest. Touch of orange marmalade too. The mousse is fantastically creamy and rich. Not much yeast on the palate, but enough to add complexity. Beautiful balance of rich fruits without sacrificing brightness or purity accented by signature chalky limestone. Right down the middle in terms of reductive vs oxidative. Gorgeous!
This was opened to celebrate my wife and I’s 4-yr anniversary as well as our daughter being one month old. A wonderful anniversary treat, courtesy of a very good friend!
My first time checking in on the ‘09. Very open and totally balanced. Everything works in harmony here. Citrus driven aromatically and slightly reductive with the first glass showing some of those flint/match stick traits but the citrus pushed its way forward with lemon zest. Touch of orange marmalade too. The mousse is fantastically creamy and rich. Not much yeast on the palate, but enough to add complexity. Beautiful balance of rich fruits without sacrificing brightness or purity accented by signature chalky limestone. Right down the middle in terms of reductive vs oxidative. Gorgeous!
The 2009 'Cristal' is a completely stunning Champagne which impresses with its polish, complexity, weight and silky mousse. The brightness is wonderful with intense lemon zest and kumquat aromatics that all mingle in the glass. The soft mousse and bright effervescence really impresses. The freshness of the wine also shows beautifully on the mid-palate, displaying not only good weight but intense orchard fruits that mingle with the wet stone, and high-toned citrus zest accents. I love the silky mouthfeel that adds to the wonderful experience. This is settling in after some time after release. Drink 2019-2035- 95
The 2009 'Cristal' is a completely stunning Champagne which impresses with its polish, complexity, weight and silky mousse. The brightness is wonderful with intense lemon zest and kumquat aromatics that all mingle in the glass. The soft mousse and bright effervescence really impresses. The freshness of the wine also shows beautifully on the mid-palate, displaying not only good weight but intense orchard fruits that mingle with the wet stone, and high-toned citrus zest accents. I love the silky mouthfeel that adds to the wonderful experience. This is settling in after some time after release. Drink 2019-2035- 95
Jul 9th, 2019