Roederer Cristal 2008

Cristal 2008 is still very young but seems to have all the ingredients to become the benchmark for the perfect Cristal. Chef de Cave Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon at least thinks so. It fulfils his ideal: the mineral freshness and energy are exceptional. Other great Cristal vintages such as 2002 and 2012 do not have this intensity. Louis Roeder has made great progress in the vineyard in recent years. The conversion to organic viticulture goes hand in hand with even more intensive vine care. All measures must be taken quickly. It is not possible to solve problems chemically later. The Cristal is produced 100% from Louis Roederer's own Grand Cru vineyards. Up to 45 plots are available for selection. In the 2008 vintage, the grapes were perfect everywhere, but 35 parcels were selected for the cuvée. The 60% Pinot Noir from very mineral sites in Verzenay, Verzy and Beaumont sur Vesle characterise Cristal. Other houses such as Bollinger and Pol Roger use more grapes from warmer Pinot Noir sites, which hardly play a role at Cristal with three small parcels in Ay. The 40% Chardonnays come from Carmant, Avize and Le Mesnil sur Oger. The Chardonnay contributes lemon flavours and acidity. Around a quarter of the wines were matured in wooden barrels. Cristal 2008 was disgorged in October 2016.

The nose reveals lemon, candied citrus fruit, apricot, peach, tropical fruit, honey, brioche, almond, toast, mineral and floral notes. The palate is intense, concentrated, with vibrant acidity; characterised by a pronounced minerality and salinity, which ensures freshness and enormous length.

The Cristal is the fruit of a special vintage. The blossom trickles away and the phenomenon of millerandage occurs, in which many small berries form. With Pinot Noir, this is a quality factor that should not be underestimated. The summer is dry but mostly cloudy and cool. Consistently sunny weather in September ensures perfectly ripe grapes.

99 Antonio Galloni Vinous The 2008 Cristal is just fabulous. Chiseled and nuanced to the core, the 2008 possesses dazzling intensity from start to finish.Crushed rocks, lemon peel, graphite, mint, lime, chalk and white flowers all race around the palate. This is classic Cristal in a cool, late-ripening year.

750 mL

12.5

Champagne

Pinot Noir & Chardonnay

Sulphites

• Brut

France

Champagne Louis Roederer, Boulevard Lundy 21, 51100 Reims, Frankreich