Louis Roederer Cristal 2002 is a vintage prestige-cuvée Champagne produced by the house of Louis Roederer in Reims, France. First created in 1876 for the Tsar of Russia, Cristal is the flagship champagne of Louis Roederer that has become synonymous with luxury. The 2002 vintage – a particularly fine one for Champagne – is available here in celebratory double-magnum format. 2002 is also noteworthy for being the only vintage, except 2015, in which fruit from all 42 Grand and Premier Cru plots reserved for Cristal was used for the wine. "Roederer’s 2002 Cristal, from magnum, is just off the charts. What else is there to say? The magnum format is so well-suited to Champagne. As opposed to still wines, which are just aged in glass, for Champagne, the secondary fermentation takes place in the glass. I am convinced that is a major part of what makes Champagne from magnum (or larger) often so compelling. The texture, breadth and overall pedigree here is just remarkable, with layers of apricot, spice, dried flowers and citrus confit that continue to build over time. The 2002 is neither old nor young; it is quite simply eternal. What a great way to start the night. Wow!" 100 points, Vinous, 2022
The 2002 Cristal is just entering its first plateau of maturity. Ripe, exotic and striking, the 2002 is all class. Apricot jam, ginger, spice, dried flowers and mint open first as the 2002 shows off its alluring personality. Pretty floral accents, apple tart and brioche build with time in the glass, bringing out added dimensions of freshness and energy. The 2002 was fabulous when I first tasted it just prior to release, and has consistently been outstanding. It is a rare Cristal made from all 45 parcels that comprise the estate, a telling sign of the high level of the vintage across the board. This is the original 2009 disgorgement. Dosage is 9 grams per liter.Antonio Galloni6th December 2023
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Cristal
The Czar's Cuvée
Produced by the celebrated Champagne house, Louis Roederer, and with a history spanning over two centuries, Cristal is the pinnacle of the House’s production and is only made in the finest vintages. First commissioned by Tsar Alexander II to create a special personal cuvée, Cristal was reintroduced by the House in 1924 as the first prestige cuvée Champagne.
Only produced during the best years, Cristal is a blend of around 40% Chardonnay and 60% Pinot Noir, aged for six years in Louis Roederer’s cellars and left for a further eight months after dégorgement. A wonderfully vibrant and forward Champagne in youth, mature examples offer a complex, layered experience similar to that of a fine white Burgundy.
