Louis Roederer Champagne, Cristal 2014

Description

About the House of Louis Roederer: When he inherited the Champagne House in 1833, the aesthete and entrepreneur Louis Roederer took a visionary approach to enriching his vines, aiming to master every stage of the wine’s creation. He forged the wine’s unique style, character, and taste. In the mid-nineteenth century, Louis Roederer acquired some of Champagne’s grand cru vineyards—an approach that contrasted sharply with contemporary practices..

While other Houses bought their grapes, Louis Roederer nurtured his vineyards, familiarized himself with the specific characteristics of each parcel, and methodically acquired the finest land. Louis Roederer’s guiding principle was that all great wine depends on the quality of the soil, a passion for tradition, and an astute vision of the future; the fame and reputation of the House of Louis Roederer was firmly established. His heir, Louis Roederer II was equally enlightened and adopted his father’s conscientious approach to the production of champagne, patrimonial estate management, and instinctive audacity.

He also drew inspiration from the many books and drawings he collected with great discernment. In the 1870s, the Louis Roederer Champagne House began to export its wines to the United States, and even to Tsar Alexander II of Russia.
A man of great taste and an inveterate researcher, Louis Roederer II fashioned an exclusive champagne for the Tsar and launched a novel concept: the very first Cuvée de Prestige. It was created in 1876 and named ‘Cristal’. Ever since, the subtleness and elegance of Cristal have forged Louis Roederer’s reputation for excellence.

Vinification: 2012 was one of the most challenging and complicated years ever experienced in Champagne. However, difficult conditions lead to great things…the low yields due to the unpredictable weather, combined with continental conditions towards the end of the season, gave unusual levels of maturity, resulting in rich, full bodied and structured wines worthy of the greatest vintages in Champagne.

Cristal is the flagship cuvée from Louis Roederer. Created in 1876, it is composed of Grand Crus from the Montagne de Reims, the Vallée de la Marne and the Côte des Blancs. 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay.  The dosage is 7.5 g/l

Description: Incredibly dynamic effervescence. Rich and complex aromas with notes of zesty and candied fruit mingled with pollen, roasted hazelnut and Madagascar vanilla. The bouquet develops rich notes of fresh pastries and smokey notes from bottle ageing. A delicious, concentrated and chalky palate. It shows incredible tension and perfectly honed aromatic precision. The attack is powerful, distinctive and concentrated and reveals a silky texture, characteristic of the ripe Pinot Noirs from the 2012 vintage. The finish is long and remarkably concentrated.