Champagne Louis Roederer Cristal 2002 Vintage 1.5 Litre Magnum

Wine information: Established in 1776, Champagne Louis Roederer is one of the few remaining completely independent, family owned Champagne houses. By 1886 the House had achieved such a reputation for quality that the second Louis Roederer was asked by Tsar Alexander II to create Cristal for the exclusive use of the Russian Tsars, and in so doing created the first Cuvée de Prestige. Roederer owns just over 200 hectares of vineyards located in the finest areas of Champagne - Montagne de Reims, Vallée de la Marne and Côte des Blancs. Each vineyard is situated in the finest sites, with the plots ranking between 95% and 100% on the Echelle des Crus. This makes Roederer self sufficient for 100% of its vintage styles, and provides two-thirds of its production for Brut Premier. Such a high proportion of ‘estate’ grapes is very unusual in Champagne and ensures superior quality at all stages from grape to glass. Louis Roederer Cristal is produced using only the finest vintages from crus guaranteed to originate from the Louis Roederer vineyard. The wine is left to mature on yeast for five years and spends a minimum period of six months in the cellar after disgorgement. 55% Pinot Noir / 45% Chardonnay, dosage 10g/L. The Cristal Magnums are presented in a sealed wooden box.

Tasting Notes: Champagne Louis Roederer Cristal has a sensual and fleshy palate with an almost caressing mouthfeel. More mineral notes come through on the mid-palate, testament to this Champagne's deliberately low dosage. This is supported by a refreshing crrispness that carries an impression of delicacy rather than strength. The overall effect is one of precise elegance, a wine perfectly poised between the structure of the Pinot Noir and the finesse of the Chardonnay, marrying roundness and vinosity with a sense of freshness and verve. The finish is long and deliciously refreshing, underscored by harmonious, lightly caramelised notes of the year's great wines aged in wood.

Food & drink match: The strength and finesse of Cristal is perectly suited to delicate foods. It is a flattering accompanimant to caviar, fish and shellfish such as scallops, John Dory, Lobster and Crayfish.

Reviews: "The 2002 Cristal is a gorgeous, sculpted wine of extraordinary elegance. Graceful, well-delineated aromatics lead to ripe pears, spices, flowers, minerals and mint in this precise Champagne. Today the 2002 appears to have slightly more fruit than the 1996, and perhaps slightly better overall balance, although that is splitting hairs at this level. The wine remains fresh and in need of several years of cellaring before it hits its stride. In 2002 Cristal is 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay. 20% of the wine was aged in oak, and dosage was 10 grams. This bottle was disgorged in December 2007. Anticipated maturity 2010 - 2032." 96+ Points Antonio Galloni, eRobertParker.com, March 2009.

 
   

Enter your e-mail address and click the button to opt into the Fareham Wine Cellar mailing list: