Cristal
About Cristal
Cristal is the flagship cuvée of Maison Louis Roederer and has a history of its own that is more fascinating than that of many entire rival houses. Originally produced in 1876, Cristal was released following two decades of the increasing popularity of Champagne in Russia. Louis Roederer in particular was a favourite amongst the Russian aristocracy, with around a third of their wine being shipped directly to the grand houses and imperial palaces of Moscow and Saint Petersburg.
The period of Alexander II's reign saw sustained political instability, and the Tsar became increasingly fearful of assassination. Determining that the most likely method of his demise would be an explosive hidden behind the dark green glass of his favourite Champagne bottles, preparations were made for the finest wines Louis Roederer could offer to be presented in clear glass bottles.
Over 150 years later and Cristal is still one of, if not the, greatest expression of Champagne to be made. Modern winemaking techniques and a very talented, industrious team at Louis Roederer mean that the recent iterations of this vinous legend are amongst the very greatest ever made. Consistently challenging the title of wine of the vintage each year, Cristal is rightfully the pinnacle of Champagne.
Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
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Champagne | 2 | 97 (JS) |
Inc. VAT
£702.00 |
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James Suckling (97)From the family collection, disgorged ten years after harvest, slightly lower than original dosage. Shows some malolactic honeyed character (rare in Cristal at 20-25%), a cool late September harvest with a poor set and high millerandage in the vineyard. This shows more dominant chardonnay on the nose with sweet honey and nougat, some dried lime citrus too, it also has an earthy side and some deep spice. The palate has almost cognac-like fruits, toasted brioche and raisin bread flavours, very assertive, concentrated, a liqueur-like Champagne that has a lot of potential and great length. -NS |
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Champagne | 6 | 98 (JD) |
Inc. VAT
£419.60 |
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Jeb Dunnuck (98)Sourced from 39 plots, the 2014 Champagne Cristal is 60% Pinot Noir and the remainder Chardonnay, with 32% aged in oak, and it has 7 grams per liter dosage. It is highly expressive of classic elegance and purity, revealing aromas of crushed rock, almond croissant, and perfume of citrus blossoms. The palate is hyper-refined in its mousse, with pinpoint bubbles, a subtly rounded mid-palate, an irresistible chalky texture, and energy throughout its long and floral finish. Everything about this feels perfectly tailored. Drink 2024-2044. |
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Champagne | 2 | 98 (JD) |
Inc. VAT
£882.02 |
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Jeb Dunnuck (98)Sourced from 39 plots, the 2014 Champagne Cristal is 60% Pinot Noir and the remainder Chardonnay, with 32% aged in oak, and it has 7 grams per liter dosage. It is highly expressive of classic elegance and purity, revealing aromas of crushed rock, almond croissant, and perfume of citrus blossoms. The palate is hyper-refined in its mousse, with pinpoint bubbles, a subtly rounded mid-palate, an irresistible chalky texture, and energy throughout its long and floral finish. Everything about this feels perfectly tailored. Drink 2024-2044. |
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Champagne | 2 | 98 (JD) |
Inc. VAT
£1,231.24 |
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Jeb Dunnuck (98)Sourced from 39 plots, the 2014 Champagne Cristal is 60% Pinot Noir and the remainder Chardonnay, with 32% aged in oak, and it has 7 grams per liter dosage. It is highly expressive of classic elegance and purity, revealing aromas of crushed rock, almond croissant, and perfume of citrus blossoms. The palate is hyper-refined in its mousse, with pinpoint bubbles, a subtly rounded mid-palate, an irresistible chalky texture, and energy throughout its long and floral finish. Everything about this feels perfectly tailored. Drink 2024-2044. |
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Champagne | 10 | 97+ (VN) |
Inc. VAT
£1,484.42 |
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Vinous (97+)The 2014 Cristal Rosé sizzles with energy. Finely cut and crystalline to the core, the 2014 is laced with striking vibrancy. Chalk, mint, white flowers, cranberry and blood orange all race across the palate. Deceptively understated and nuanced, the 2014 possesses tons of energy and captivating inner perfume. The 2014 is at the beginning of what is sure to be a very long life. I would not plan on opening a bottle for at least a few years. The style of the vintage is one built on linear intensity more than opulence, like say 2004, with captivating aromatics and a sort of inner tension that needs to resolve. As always, the Rosé is done in the classic Roederer infusion style in which Pinot Noir is vinified on the skins and then blended with Chardonnay to complete the fermentation. Dosage is 7 grams per liter. Disgorged: June 2022. |
Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Champagne | 2 | 97 (JS) |
Inc. VAT
£702.00 |
|||||
James Suckling (97)From the family collection, disgorged ten years after harvest, slightly lower than original dosage. Shows some malolactic honeyed character (rare in Cristal at 20-25%), a cool late September harvest with a poor set and high millerandage in the vineyard. This shows more dominant chardonnay on the nose with sweet honey and nougat, some dried lime citrus too, it also has an earthy side and some deep spice. The palate has almost cognac-like fruits, toasted brioche and raisin bread flavours, very assertive, concentrated, a liqueur-like Champagne that has a lot of potential and great length. -NS |
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|
Champagne | 6 | 98 (JD) |
In Bond
£347.00 |
|||||
Jeb Dunnuck (98)Sourced from 39 plots, the 2014 Champagne Cristal is 60% Pinot Noir and the remainder Chardonnay, with 32% aged in oak, and it has 7 grams per liter dosage. It is highly expressive of classic elegance and purity, revealing aromas of crushed rock, almond croissant, and perfume of citrus blossoms. The palate is hyper-refined in its mousse, with pinpoint bubbles, a subtly rounded mid-palate, an irresistible chalky texture, and energy throughout its long and floral finish. Everything about this feels perfectly tailored. Drink 2024-2044. |
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|
Champagne | 2 | 98 (JD) |
In Bond
£727.00 |
|||||
Jeb Dunnuck (98)Sourced from 39 plots, the 2014 Champagne Cristal is 60% Pinot Noir and the remainder Chardonnay, with 32% aged in oak, and it has 7 grams per liter dosage. It is highly expressive of classic elegance and purity, revealing aromas of crushed rock, almond croissant, and perfume of citrus blossoms. The palate is hyper-refined in its mousse, with pinpoint bubbles, a subtly rounded mid-palate, an irresistible chalky texture, and energy throughout its long and floral finish. Everything about this feels perfectly tailored. Drink 2024-2044. |
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|
Champagne | 2 | 98 (JD) |
In Bond
£1,010.00 |
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Jeb Dunnuck (98)Sourced from 39 plots, the 2014 Champagne Cristal is 60% Pinot Noir and the remainder Chardonnay, with 32% aged in oak, and it has 7 grams per liter dosage. It is highly expressive of classic elegance and purity, revealing aromas of crushed rock, almond croissant, and perfume of citrus blossoms. The palate is hyper-refined in its mousse, with pinpoint bubbles, a subtly rounded mid-palate, an irresistible chalky texture, and energy throughout its long and floral finish. Everything about this feels perfectly tailored. Drink 2024-2044. |
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|
Champagne | 10 | 97+ (VN) |
In Bond
£1,229.00 |
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Vinous (97+)The 2014 Cristal Rosé sizzles with energy. Finely cut and crystalline to the core, the 2014 is laced with striking vibrancy. Chalk, mint, white flowers, cranberry and blood orange all race across the palate. Deceptively understated and nuanced, the 2014 possesses tons of energy and captivating inner perfume. The 2014 is at the beginning of what is sure to be a very long life. I would not plan on opening a bottle for at least a few years. The style of the vintage is one built on linear intensity more than opulence, like say 2004, with captivating aromatics and a sort of inner tension that needs to resolve. As always, the Rosé is done in the classic Roederer infusion style in which Pinot Noir is vinified on the skins and then blended with Chardonnay to complete the fermentation. Dosage is 7 grams per liter. Disgorged: June 2022. |