Description

Critical Acclaim

98+ points Vinous

Still a baby, the 2004 Cristal Rosé has begun to put on considerable weight over the last few years, which only serves to balance the focus and tension that have always been present. Even at eleven years of age, the 2004 Cristal Rosé remains tightly wound and a touch austere at times. Hints of orange peel, white pepper and cranberry add an exotic flair on the deeply expressive finish. Readers who can find the 2004 should not hesitate, as it is simply stunning by any measure. (AG, 05/2015)

98 points Wine & Spirits

Few of the noble wines of the world have the effortless grace of Cristal Rosé. The Pinot Noir for the blend, planted in the 1960s, grows in the center of the slope in Aÿ. Its flavors are more focused on the soil than fruit, as if the vines are bent on extracting the scent of fossilized seashells from the limestone their roots explore. Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon blends the Pinot Noir with 40 percent Chardonnay from Avize, creating a wine with flavors that reach the horizon line, and an ethereal fragrance that last for minutes after each taste, bright, weightless, elusive and grand. (12/2013)

95 points Burghound

In contrast to a remarkably large number of 2004 Champagnes that are noticeably reduced, this is by contrast wonderfully elegant, pure and beautifully layered with its array of toast/yeast, citrus, floral and soft pear aromas. There is outstanding energy to the utterly delicious flavors that are supported by a remarkably fine effervescence before culminating in a crisp, lemony and impressively complex finish. This is head and shoulders more interesting than the 2006 version and moreover, this is very clearly still on the way up though I stress that the complexity is so good that it could easily be enjoyed now. In a word, terrific. (06/2017)

94 points Wine Advocate

The 2004 Cristal Rose is 70% Pinot from Ay and 30% Chardonnay from Avize. This remains a very tight, mineral-driven Cristal Rose that will require significant bottle age. A final burst of floral red berries on the finish bodes well for the future. Today I prefer the Cristal over the Cristal Rose, but time will ultimately tell how these wines develop. I recently tasted the 1996s and it is now appears the Rose has moved ahead, if very slightly, from the Cristal. The 2004 Cristal Rose was disgorged in December 2009 and dosage was 9 grams per liter. (AG, 09/2010)