Roederer Cristal 2013

The Essentials in Brief

In 2013 the Chardonnay may even be better than in 2008, but how did Roederer manage to harvest such perfect Pinot Noirs in this cooler late autumn? While we usually know elegant, balanced 2013 wines from red grape varieties that lack the substance and mid-palate density to be counted among the greats, with Cristal you get all of that – with incredible energy and mineral intensity. Is it down to the perfect vineyard work and the low yields from old biodynamically farmed vines? Who knows, but this Cristal sets new standards. It combines the ripeness of the powerful 2002 with greater elegance, minerality and energy.

The Weather in the 2013 Vintage

Spring simply refused to arrive in Champagne in 2013! The vines entered the vegetative cycle very late and flowering only began in July – something that was very rare even before climate warming.

The summer was very warm and dry with more than enough sunshine to provide perfect conditions for Pinot Noir as well. However, the high temperatures met grapes that were not yet sufficiently developed to lose their acidity. Due to the late start, the grapes only ripened in October at low temperatures. The Chardonnays are perfect, but only the Pinot Noirs from the best sites have the substance, structure and concentration for true greatness alongside fruity charm.