Louis Roederer Champagne Cristal Rose Vinotheque 2002

Louis Roederer is a highly respected Champagne producer located in the historic city of Reims. The renowned Champagne house, founded in the late 1700s, is still owned and operated by the Roederer family. Their signature style consists of an equal blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, with a touch of Pinot Meunier, which comprises approximately one-fifth of the blend. Louis Roederer's most famous wine is Cristal, a prestigious Champagne that has captured the hearts of wine enthusiasts worldwide. The house was founded in 1833 and aimed to capture foreign markets, particularly Russia. Roederer became the wine of choice for the Russian royal family, and Cristal was created for Tsar Alexander II. Louis Roederer acquired grand cru vineyards in Champagne in 1845, which was unusual for the time as most houses were buying grapes from growers. Today, the Roederer vineyards encompass around 240 hectares of land, with around 25% managed biodynamically. This commitment to sustainable farming practices is a testament to the house's dedication to producing high-quality wines that are both delicious and environmentally responsible.

Cristal is available in standard and rosé formats, with the latter being less common. The standard vintage Cristal wine is made from the house's best vineyard plots and is a blend of approximately 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay. Some parts of the blend are aged in barrels. Cristal rosé is also made from similar proportions of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, but the Pinot Noir is left on skins for a longer time before pressing. Around 20% of the wine is aged in large format oak, resulting in a light rosé colour with hints of onion skin. Cristal wines are also available under the Vinothèque label, which undergoes late disgorging, extended lees aging, and further cellaring in the Louis Roederer cellars in the bottle.

Louis Roederer's Cristal Rose Vinothèque 2002 is a unique and exclusive offering that was created to give wine lovers the chance to experience a little bit of the magic of this hidden collection. The wines are stored in ideal conditions, preserving their purity, fruit and the surprising brightness typical of Cristal. Cristal Vinothèque is the end result of a project that offers a wine of eternal youth, displaying all the characteristics of a poised, elegant wine of astonishing character. Aged on its lees for around 10 years before disgorgement, then stored on its cork for a further 10 years, it is a product of time and anticipation.  The Louis Roederer Champagne Cristal Rosé Vinothèque 2002 is a truly exceptional and captivating expression of elegance and complexity. This limited edition Champagne, carefully crafted to perfection, offers a sensory experience that is both luxurious and memorable. In the glass, this rosé Champagne showcases a beautiful, pale salmon colour, reminiscent of delicate rose petals. The fine, persistent bubbles gracefully dance to the surface, creating a mesmerizing visual display. On the nose, the Cristal Rosé Vinothèque 2002 reveals an exquisite bouquet of fragrances. Aromas of fresh strawberries, ripe raspberries, and juicy cherries intertwine with hints of delicate rose petals and subtle notes of brioche and toasted almonds. This intricate symphony of scents creates a seductive and alluring invitation to indulge. Upon the first sip, the palate is greeted with a harmonious balance of flavors that unfold with precision and finesse. Layers of red fruit, including wild strawberries and tangy cranberries, mingle with zesty citrus accents, adding a refreshing vibrancy. The wine's complexity deepens as subtle hints of spices, such as ginger and cinnamon, emerge, adding depth and intrigue. The Louis Roederer Champagne Cristal Rosé Vinothèque 2002 boasts a luxurious mouthfeel, with a velvety texture that caresses the palate. The fine bubbles contribute to a creamy and luscious sensation, enhancing the wine's overall elegance. The finish is remarkably long and expressive, leaving a lasting impression. The flavors linger on the palate, with a delightful interplay between the fruit, acidity, and delicate toasty notes. This Champagne showcases remarkable aging potential, with the 2002 vintage demonstrating the perfect balance between youthful vibrancy and mature complexity.

The best way I can covey what it feels like to experience this truly extraordinary rosé champagne is to say that it tastes like a mature vintage Romanée-Saint-Vivant Grand Cru - a red Burgundy! - with very fine bubbles and an acidity that gives it a weightless delicacy, it’s impossible to resist. After a bit of aeration there’s also a note of teriyaki sauce which makes this even more special. Tasted from Jeroboam at the Cristal vertical tasting at the champagne house on July 6th, 2023. Drink or hold. - Stuart Pigott, JamesSuckling.com, 100 Points.

The 2002 Cristal Rosé Vinothèque is the latest Champagne in this series of late releases from Roederer. Rich, layered and expansive in feel, the 2002 is opulent to the core, which is to say very much in the style of the year. The Pinot in particular is so expressive in this tasting. There’s real presence and breadth here. Time has softened some of the contours, not that the 2002 needed much refining, as it was spectacular on release. Red-toned fruit, gentle spice, dried flowers, kirsch and mint are some of the many nuances that develop in a timeless, breathtaking Cristal Rosé that is simply brilliant today. Dosage is 7 grams per liter. Disgorged: 2018. - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media, 98 Points.

The Finer Details
Style - Champagne
Varietal - 56% Pinot Noir, 44% Chardonnay
Country - France
Region - Champagne
Vintage - 2002
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 12%