2009 CRISTAL Brut Champagne Louis Roederer, Lea & Sandeman

CRISTAL

2009 Brut Champagne Louis Roederer

Grapes Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier
Colour White
Origin France, Champagne
ABV 12%

(from jeroboam, which is a rarity even for Cristal). I am not in general a big fan of the 2009 Champagne vintage but the ’09 Cristal is an exception to that very broad generalization. At 15 years of age, the ripe nose is just now beginning to display hint of maturity with some secondary development on the toasty, yeasty and citrus confit-suffused aromas of mostly white orchard fruit and acacia blossom. There is good richness to the relatively full-bodied and generously proportioned flavors that are supported by a fine mousse that is just sufficient to keep the proper balance on the beautifully complex finale. While I wouldn’t call 2009 a classic vintage for Cristal, it’s far better than the majority of luxury marques. I would add that for my taste, even in this massive format, this is already enjoyable though it should hold for the next two decades, perhaps even longer!. Drinking range: 2024 - Rating: 94 Allen Meadows, www.Burghound.com (Oct 2024)


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(Please note this vintage is not supplied with the usual Roederer packaging). The latest vintage of Louis Roederer's top Champagne arrives before the one that preceded it in the cellar – the company is still holding on to the 2008. How good will the earlier, cooler vintage be? One of the greats, we understand, but in the meantime, from a relatively warm year, this is nonetheless replete with shimmering fresh acidity and minerals as well as delectable ripe fruit and a luxurious silkiness. Expensive, yes, but undeniably great. Rating: 95 The Wine Gang - www.thewinegang.com (Jul 2017)

2009 Cristal has really shut down since I tasted it this past spring, which is probably a very good thing for its potential longevity. The radiance and richness the 2009 showed just a few months ago is not all evident. Instead, the 2009 comes across as tightly wound and in need of considerable cellaring. I expect it will drink well for a period measured in decades rather than years. The 2009 has always been quite exuberant, but for now, it looks the wine is going to need a bit of time before it is at its best. Readers should note that Roederer has decided to release the 2009 ahead of the 2008. Drinking range: 2021 - 2049 Rating: 96+ Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Dec 2016)

This has floral and peach notes with a touch of spice and great purity of fruit. Such style and elegance! It's a wine that always needs age, so this is very young still. I'd cellar it for two to three years at least so it can develop more. It could make a delicious combination with a dish of red mullet fillets roasted with green olive, pancetta and basil. Drinking range: 2016 - 2034Gerard Basset OBE MW MS, Decanter (Oct 2016)

Louis Roederer

Louis Roederer is one of the largest remaining independent Champagne Houses, owned by the same family since it was founded in 1776. The house firmly established its reputation through its guiding principles: great wine depends on the quality of the soil. A passion for tradition, and an astute vision of the future.

Louis Roederer lays claim to 250 hectares to call their own (a rarity among the Grand Marque Houses) which has been cultivated organically and Biodynamically since 2000. Through these sustainable farming practices, Louis Roederer have a greater understanding about how champagne may be made to deal with ecological concerns, consumer taste and climate change. These vineyards are located in three classic Champagne districts: Montagne de Reims, Vallée de la Marne, and the Côte des Blancs. The diversity of these sites provides the House with an extensive and rich palette to fashion the wines from.

In 1876, Nicholas II of Russia requested Louis Roederer to reserve the house's best cuvée just for him in a crystal bottle, leading to the now famous 'Cristal', the very first Cuvée de Prestige. A blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir produced only in the best years, with long cellar aging.

At the centre of Louis Roederer is Collection. A multi-vintage blend of wines from selected vineyard plots in the Cœur de Terroir (the heart of the terroir). Each Collection's number represents the number of blends since the birth of the Louis Roederer Champagne House. Working with lower yields and riper fruit, the dosage is lower to balance the wines after long cellar aging, producing finer bubbles and a creamy, yet dry texture.

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