Unwinding in the glass with aromas of citrus oil, crisp stone fruits, white flowers, crushed mint and subtle hints of buttery pastry, it's medium to full-bodied, deep and layered, with a deep, concentrated and rather introverted core of fruit framed by chalky extract and animated by a pretty pinpoint mousse. This is a serious, vinous Champagne that has considerable substance to age and may well evolve along the lines of the lovely 1985. RP
2016 resulted in an unexpected and unprecedented harmony, a balance that is ideal for Cristal, combining its sunny nature with its terrestrial roots. This subtle interplay between sky and earth thus reflects a perfect proportion between the intensity of the aromas forged by the summer heat, the vibrations of the wine, and its juicy, saline weave, nourished by the unique chalky and limestone-rich soils.
$3150
$2598
Louis Roederer Cristal Brut 2005 (Without Gift Box)
RP
93
WS
94
JS
99
The 2005 Cristal stands out for its exceptional inner perfume and elegance. Soft, delicate and pretty, the 2005 is a relatively immediate Cristal with all of the signatures very much in the right place. The 2005 doesn’t have the opulence of the 2002 nor the focus of the 2004, but it is a very pretty, if somewhat small-scaled version of this iconic Champagne. I would drink the 2005 while the 2002 and 2004 age. Although Cristal has an impeccable track record when it comes to aging, personally I would not push it with the 2005. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2020. RP