Louis Roederer Cristal 2013

Louis Roederer Cristal, named after the flat bottomed crystal bottle in which it was produced exclusively for Tsar Alexander II of Russia since 1876, is one of the first private cuvées that became commercially available. This champagne comes in an elegant box with a clip, accompanied by a short history of this spectacular wine. This Chardonnay and Pinot Noir blend is aged in the cellar for 6 years and kept for another 8 months after dégorgement.

My first tasting of Cristal was with special friends, celebrating our firstborn with the 2013 vintage, the year we got married ten years ago. The 2013 is the current vintage. In 2013, the winemakers had some unusual weather conditions and a late growing cycle, but fortunately the summer was characterised by very hot temperatures, long hours of sunshine and low rainfall - factors that are desired for great Chardonnay and Pinot Noir growing in Reims.

Grapes were sourced from 32 lieu-dits to blend the best grapes for this special cuvee. 32% of the juice was oaked to add to the structure, but no malolactic conversion was done, resulting in a wine that is extremely fresh and will probably remain fresh for another 20 years.

In your glass, you have a pale yellow wine with a golden rim and stringed bubbles. A fresh medley of lemon peel and nectarines is very forthcoming on the nose. Upon entry, you have some lemon, lemon peel, nectarine and nuts that creates magic on the palate. The citrus and acidity is powerful and remain on the palate for a long finish. The bubbles of this wine is pronounced and the typical yeast notes that you normally expect from Champagne is not part of the flavour profile, placing this wine in a special category. A clear saline taste forms part of the finish.

Due to the very long finish of this wine, it is suggested to cool down your glasses and keep the bottle on ice for as long as possible. You would probably want to sip on this wine as long as possible. Although this wine will pair well with a wide selection of food, I recommend that it is enjoyed on its own before starters are served. A Sauvignon Blanc or fresh Chenin Blanc will be good wines to follow up this wine.

Although the Cristal comes at a steep price, the cheaper champagnes from Louis Roederer won't do as replacement. So, if you are a champagne lover, you need to try this wine. It is the perfect wine to celebrate special occasions or start any special dinner.

Producer: Champagne Louis Roederer

Variety: Pinot Noir 60%, Chardonnay 340%

Vintage: 2013

Origin: Vallée de la Marne, Montagne de Reims & Côte des Blancs, Champagne, France

Winemaker: Frédéric Rouzaud

Closure: Cork

Alcohol: 12.5%

Average price: R6500

Rating: 99/100