Roederer is one of the leading ‘Boutique’ Champagne houses, which became popular for their celebrated ‘Cristal’. Cristal became chic with celebrities, athletes, and hip hop artists.
Originally founded in the late 18th century, Roederer’s consumers were predominately from the Russian community. In 1876, Tsar Alexander II, a great fan of Louis Roederer’s champagne, asked Roederer to “go one step further” to produce, for his personal consumption, a wine unique in quality and bottle. Roederer created an exceptional white crystal puntless bottle to house the best selection from the seven finest vineyards of his estate, thus creating the very first Prestige cuvee of Champagne.
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Eight champagne enthusiasts gathered at Toronto’s LCBO Avenue Road Location on June 22, 2011 to taste Louis Roederer’s Cristal 2004.
Grape Varieties
55% Pinot Noir and 45% Chardonnay (20% of which is matured in oak casks with weekly batonnage).
Vinification
No malolactic fermentation occurs. Cristal ages an average of 5 years in the cellars and rests 8 months after disgorgement. Dosage between 8 and 10 g/l.
In the Glass
Unique golden color, combined with an ultra-fine, persistent, soft effervescence.
Bubbles
Ultra-energetic, rich and persistent bead.
On the Nose
The nose is intense and bursting with gorgeous aromas typical of great Pinot Noir grapes. Scents of sweet baked apples, white fruit, pollen, citrus with some mineral nuances.
The bouquet is rich and sweet, almost generous, remaining precise and impeccably refined.
On the Palate
Full and creamy, revealing concentrations of juicy fruits: peach, apricot, mango, with hints of grilled hazelnuts. There is a sophisticated touch of acid with some lively minerality.
The overriding impression is one of a true harmony of flavours, senses and silky textures.
Absolute sensuality!
Serving Suggestions
Nothing compliments Cristal better than caviar, oysters and lobster.
My rating: 95/100
Others:
The Wine Advocate rating: 97 Points
Wine Enthusiast rating: 97 Points
Wine & Spirits rating: 97 Points
Parker Points®: 96+
Wine Spectator rating: 93 Points