Champagne Louis Roederer

Cristal Brut in Geschenkverpackung 2016

Wenn man einen 2016er Champagner als großes Meisterwerk betiteln kann, dann den ‚Cristal‘. Es ist ein Champagner von beeindruckender Präzision und Tiefe. Kreidige Mineralität, straffe Frische und eine nahezu perfekte Integration aller Komponenten. Ein ganz großer Jahrgang dieser Ikone!

Light golden yellow, silver reflections, fine, persistent mousse. Delicate nuances of fresh lime, white tropical fruit, floral aromas, a hint of green apple; conveys cool, attractive freshness. Taut, already full of chalky salinity on the palate, finely-meshed, notes of vineyard peach, very lively, lemony touch, salty finish, a complex food wine with good ageing potential. Will seamlessly join the series of great cool years such as 2002, 2008 and 2012. (PM, 09/25).

This has wonderfully pure fruit aromas, such as peaches, Asian pears and golden apples, alongside lemon curd, gingerbread, chalk and jasmine. Rock salt and oyster shells follow on the palate, which is so seamless that you scarcely notice the super-fine bubbles. It’s concentrated yet gentle at the same time, with impressive resolution and integration of all components. Salty and creamy at the very-long finish. Fantastic! 58% pinot noir and 42% chardonnay. Drink or hold.

The finest rendition since 2013, the 2016 Cristal has turned out beautifully. A vintage that Lecaillon describes as “difficult in the vineyards but beautiful in the cellar,” it had suffered slightly in reputation due to the gloomy mood during the challenging growing season, but the results are indeed impressive. The fifth edition produced entirely from organically farmed and certified fruit, and heavily based on Pinot Noir, the 2016 represents the contemporary quality of Cristal, combining the concentration of 2002 with the precision and cut of 2013. Disgorged in July 2024 with a dosage of seven grams per liter, it opens in the glass to reveal a bouquet of lemon zest, white flowers and peeled almond, framed by youthful reduction. On the palate, it is bright and electric, with a pure core of fruit, pinpoint mousse and a textural attack, concluding with a long, saline finish. Drink it alongside the 2015, and it will illuminate its clarity and integration.