Louis Roederer Cristal Champagne 2015
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 Cristal Champagne 2015 is a unique and exceptional wine that reflects its terroir and sustainable viticultural practices. It embodies the history and artistry of the Champagne region, offering a wine of depth and character. Each vintage of Cristal presents a new perspective, showcasing a variety of flavours and textures. The 2015 vintage showcases ripe, well-structured wines with a refreshing quality from its white soils. Through their meticulous approach, Louis Roederer achieves a perfect balance between maturity and freshness. This champagne is a masterpiece that captures the essence of its terroir and invites us to experience the harmony between nature and winemaking.
The Louis Roederer Cristal Champagne 2015 is an extraordinary masterpiece that combines softness and concentration with masterful maturity. It captivates the senses with intense and delicious aromas, exuding a superb energy and a magical vibration. This champagne is timeless, displaying a chalky temperament that is sustained by its exceptional soils, transcending the sunny character of the vintage. Upon first nosing, the Cristal 2015 reveals hints of yellow fruit, toasted almonds and wheat from the Chardonnay, elegantly intertwined with the juicy red fruit notes of the Pinot Noir. As the wine's structure unfolds, a surge of energy ignites, creating a vibrant intensity that seamlessly transitions into a gentle caress. The silky texture envelopes the palate, unveiling flavors of candied citrus and iodised spices that dance harmoniously. The chalky character of the vintage takes centre stage, bursting forth with a bracing, vertical effervescence that is both insistent and precise. The freshness of the champagne is finely honed, leaving a lasting impression. As the tasting experience reaches its finale, subtle oaky, sappy and saline notes underpin the finish, enhancing the overall delicacy and concentration of the wine. Louis Roederer Cristal Champagne 2015 is a wine of supreme balance and measure, resonating from the very nature of its chalky soils. It is an exceptional representation of the 2015 vintage, showcasing enormous aging potential. This perfect Cristal Champagne is a testament to the artistry and dedication of its creators, offering an unforgettable tasting experience that will continue to evolve and delight for years to come.
The Finer Details
Style - Champagne
Varietal - Pinot Noir, Chardonnay
Country - France
Region - Champagne
Vintage - 2015
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 12%