Louis Roederer Cristal Brut 2015

Introduction

Louis Roederer Cristal Brut 2015 is a vintage Champagne from France. It is the flagship cuvée of Maison Louis Roederer, a family-owned and independent Champagne house founded in 1776 in Reims. Cristal was first created in 1876 for Tsar Alexander II of Russia. The wine is produced from 45 exceptional vineyard plots, all of which are Grand Cru sites in the Montagne de Reims, the Vallée de la Marne, and the Côte des Blancs. For the 2015 vintage, all 45 plots over twenty years old were used, which is a rare occurrence, last done in 2002. The vineyards are run using organic and biodynamic practices.

Wine Description

The Champagne has a shining, beautiful golden yellow colour. It presents a complex aromatic expression with hints of yellow fruit, toasted almonds, and wheat from the Chardonnay, harmoniously blended with the juicy red fruit notes of Pinot Noir. Aromas also include citrus oil, crisp stone fruits, white flowers, crushed mint, subtle hints of buttery pastry, clover honey, freshly shaved ginger, marzipan, and jasmine.

The blend is 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay, which reflects the estate's vineyard composition. It is a medium to full-bodied, deep, and layered wine with a concentrated and introverted core of fruit. The palate is lively and concentrated, opening with a silky touch and unveiling scents of preserved citrus fruit, candied citrus, and iodized spices. It is framed by chalky extract and animated by a fine, vibrant, pinpoint mousse. The wine maintains a timeless, chalky temperament that is freed from the sunny character of the vintage. Stylistically, it has tremendous freshness, elegance, and a finely honed precision, showcasing a perfect combination of softness and concentration. The wine is a Brut with a dosage of 7 grams per litre (g/l). It is aged for six years in the cellar and rests for a further eight months after disgorgement. The finish is long, pure, lingering, and underpinned by subtle oaky, sappy, and saline notes, providing a lovely combination of finesse and concentration. The ABV is 12.5%. Cristal can be aged for over twenty years without losing its freshness and character.

Accolades

• Wine Enthusiast - 98 points

• Wine & Spirits - 98 points

• James Suckling - 97 points

• Wine Spectator - 96 points

• Jeb Dunnuck - 96 points

• The Wine Advocate - 95+ points

• Decanter - 95 points

Food Pairing

This great Champagne is the perfect accompaniment to exceptional fish and shellfish dishes. Suggested pairings include succulent Maine lobster, white truffle risotto, sashimi grade yellowtail, and aged Parmigiano-Reggiano. Other recommendations include shellfish and crab.

Vintage Quality

The 2015 growing year in Champagne was a hot and sunny one, marked by episodes of heat and drought. The period from budbreak to harvest was the hottest vintage ever recorded in the region. However, much-needed rain towards the end of summer allowed the grapes to preserve their freshness. These contrasting conditions resulted in juicy, ripe, and concentrated grapes with an impeccable balance. Louis Roederer's team successfully navigated the warmth of the vintage, using slightly more older oak and leveraging their biodynamic farming to enhance the wine's freshness and chalky salinity. This vintage is described as having all the criteria to be a great vintage: ripe, no rot, good balance, and concentration.