Louis Roederer Champagne Cristal 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 Champagne Cristal Vinothèque 2002 is a rare and exceptional wine that showcases the exceptional ability of Cristal to age in the bottle. While Cristal is famous the world over, few are aware of its intelligence to take advantage of the passing years, making it a rare gem in the world of champagne. For this reason, the House of Louis Roederer preserves some bottles of Cristal in its cellars, submitting them to the benevolent influence of time. These bottles are made ready for their ageing in an ideal environment, then isolated, allowing the wine to gently evolve towards a harmonious maturity, developing a more complex bouquet and evolved flavors. A limited number of Cristal Vinothèque bottles were aged "sur lattes" for around ten years, with a lower dosage than usual, but just enough to allow them to make the trip through time comfortably. These carefully prepared bottles were then cellar-aged in the Vinothèque, on their corks, for another ten years or so. The result is a wine of exceptional character and beauty, showcasing the best of what Cristal has to offer. Louis Roederer Champagne Cristal Vinothèque 2002 is a true masterpiece, a testament to the house's commitment to excellence and their dedication to producing exceptional wines that stand the test of time.

The Louis Roederer Champagne Cristal Vinothèque 2002 is a remarkable expression of elegance and finesse. In the glass, the Cristal Vinothèque 2002 displays a light greenish-yellow colour with golden glints, captivating the eye with its radiant appearance. On the nose, this Champagne reveals a complex and enticing bouquet. Aromas of white fruits, such as crisp apples and juicy pears, intertwine with delicate citrus notes, offering a refreshing and vibrant aromatic profile. Subtle hints of brioche and toasted almonds add depth and complexity, enhancing the overall sensory experience. Upon the first sip, the palate is greeted with a harmonious balance of flavors. The wine's silky texture caresses the tongue, while flavors of white fruits and citrus zest dance on the palate. There is a powerful mineral quality that adds a distinctive character, further complemented by a touch of floral nuances. The Louis Roederer Champagne Cristal Vinothèque 2002 is a wine of exceptional finesse and longevity. It showcases a remarkable aging potential, with the 2002 vintage capturing the perfect balance between youthful vibrancy and mature complexity. The finish is long and lingering, leaving a lasting impression. The flavors persist on the palate, with a beautiful interplay between the fruit, mineral notes, and subtle toasty nuances.

An extraordinary champagne experience that you’ll never forget! Tons of white chocolate on the savory nose pulls you into this concentrated and chalky champagne with rich candied citrus and mirabelle fruit. So much oily umami complexity right through the huge breathtakingly vivid finish. Just 10% of each vintage of Cristal gets the extra years of aging for release as Vinotheque. Tasted at the Cristal vertical tasting at the champagne house on July 6th, 2023. Drink or hold. - Stuart Pigott, JamesSuckling.com, 99 Points.

The Finer Details
Style - Champagne
Varietal - 60% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay
Country - France
Region - Champagne
Vintage - 2002
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 12%