Louis Roederer Cristal

Description

Harvest A classic, generous year, yielding both quantity and quality. 2004 followed the same climatic trends as 2002cool, moderate temperatures throughout the season; and a considerably reduced rainfall by about 30% during the growing cycle, which, despite a particularly cold and rainy month of August, was fortunately followed by a dry and sunny September, ripening the grapes off impressively. The Louis Roederer vineyard team worked intensively in this period, and by the 20th September the grapes had attained a vintage balance, combining maturity and freshness.Elaboration Composed of 55% Pinot noir and 45% Chardonnay 20% of which is matured in oak casks with weekly batonnage. No malolactic fermentation occurs. Cristal is produced using harvests from the finest vineyards of Montagne de Reims, the Vallee de la Marne and the Cote des Blancs. Cristal ages an average of 5 years in the cellars and rests 8 months after disgorgement to perfect its maturity.Dosage between 8 and 10 g/l is customised to complement each vintage.Style Cristal 2004 – incisive, seductive and delicious – has a slender, almost living freshness. Highly contemporary in its harmony and immediate seductiveness, it nevertheless remains first and foremost a great classic of northern Champagne, combining freshness, energy and an almost chalky mineral quality. The Cristal hallmarks are evident purity, precision and the unique harmony of flavours associated with the subtle power of our historic vines, located on the finest Champagne Grand Cru terroirs.Tasting by Jean-Baptiste Lecaillon Brilliant yellow colour displaying light amber nuances, combined with an ultra-fine, persistent, soft effervescence. Theres an intense, highly expressive bouquet on the first nose! The aromatic elegance and precision of Chardonnay is apparent white fruit, sweet pollen, fine citrus fruit and very pure minerality. After a few minutes, the aromas move on to more confit, lightly grilled hints. The bouquet is rich and sweet, almost generous, remaining precise and impeccably refined. The bite in the mouth is full and creamy, revealing an incredible concentration of juicy fruits yellow peach, apricot, mango and others. This silky, meaty concentration, which is both dense and softand typical of great Pinot noiris immediately combined with a sophisticated touch of acidity, ringing the wine alive with minerality. The overriding impression is one of a true harmony of flavours, senses and silky textures… Absolute sensuality. – Jean-Baptiste Lecaillon