2015 Louis Roederer Cristal

Champagne Louis Roederer was established in 1776, with the first vintage of their prestige cuvée, Cristal, having been created exactly one hundred years later. It is produced uniquely during the best years, when Pinot Noir (approximately 60%) and Chardonnay (40%) have attained perfect maturity.

2015 followed the continental trend of that decade: a mild, wet winter and a hot, dry summer. The summer brought record-breaking temperatures and water stress. The second half of August brought some very welcome rain, giving the vines some much needed relief. Thanks to this fresh end to the growing season, the vines produced juicy, ripe and concentrated grapes. The concentration which is the hallmark of this spectacular vintage is captured in this wine.

Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon, Roederer`s Cellar Master tells us: “Cristal 2015 has a chalky temperament, more “soil” than solar… which is incredible for such a sunny vintage. Great aging potential!”

“The 2015 has an intense, concentrated bouquet: a perfect, seamless and complex marriage of almond, wheat and sweet pollen notes from the Chardonnay, with the juicy red fruit of the Pinot Noir. Concentrated, energetic and vibrant on the palate, starting out as a silky caress, with soft flavours of candied citrus and spices. The powdery texture becomes tauter and the pure, precise and chiselled freshness crescendos. The salivating finish is underpinned by a slightly oaky, sappy and saline note that creates a simultaneous sensation of delicacy and concentration (for drinking 2023-2043+).”