Cristal Vinothèque 2002

Cristal Vinothèque 2002 celebrates the astonishing adventure of a few bottles kept for 20 years in the Louis Roederer cellars, in search of the perfect balance. The cuvée was aged 11 years on laths, then 5 years on points and rested for 4 years after disgorgement.

An extraordinary year with all the superlative Champagne attributes of a great vintage: uniformly warm temperatures, without excess sun and heat, with a very marked mildness in winter; a slight deficit of rain (about 20%) during the vegetative cycle; cool nights and a cool, dry north-easterly wind during August and September... All these exceptionally favorable conditions contributed to an ideal ripening of the grapes and a beautiful concentration of flavors. The harvest started on September 12th with the Chardonnays with an average sugar concentration above 11% natural alcohol.

Dynamic, delicate effervescence with a persistent cordon. Golden yellow color with green reflections. Complex and intense bouquet of good maturity where aromas of citron, citrus peel, grilled almonds and harvest are mixed. Captivating impression of morning dew accompanied by smoke, nougat and honey. On aeration, the vanilla notes, slightly truffled, impose themselves. The palate is fresh, energetic and caressing at the same time, luminous. The envelope, the full and deep voluminous matter quickly gives way to the finesse, chalky, salty, almost iodized, and infinitely energetic. The fine and toasted hazelnuts complete the tasty sensation. The finish stretches delicately in this powdery, salivating and very saline matter that reminds of Umami. A gastronomic wine, this Cristal 2002 Vinothèque deserves to be decanted a few minutes before tasting.