Description
In 1876, Russia’s Tsar Alexander II, a long-time lover of Louis Roederer wines, asked the producer to create a special cuvée for his personal use which was unique in both its style and bottle design. He requested that his personal cuvée be served in transparent crystal glass bottles, easier to spot poison and with a flat bottom to foil the insertion of explosives by would-be assassins. Thus, Louis Roederer selected the best vines from seven Grand Crus on his estate and Cristal, the first prestige cuvée, was born. The cuvée consists of 55% Pinot Noir and 45% Chardonnay with aging on lees for 5 years before release.
Tasting Notes :
A brilliant yellow colour with light amber highlights and a beautiful fine mousse. The nose is intense and delicate revealing a clean and well-blended mixture of flavours of honey, cocoa, lightly toasted hazelnuts and candied citrus fruit. A savoury explosion of ripe fruit reveals white chocolate, caramel and Danish pastry notes, typical of Cristal. Its silky, concentrated texture relies on its intense, powerful and vinous structure but maintains refinement. The palate builds up to attain a delicious sensation of well-blended harmony of flavours. Louis Roederer Cristal 2002 is probably the best Cristal vintage ever released.
