LOUIS ROEDERER CRISTAL 2015

Style: Rocks & Minerals

Roederer is among the houses that are releasing their 2009 tête de cuvées ahead of the 2008s. After having tasted the wines, that seems like a wise choice, as the 2009s are quite giving, while the 2008s are likely to require quite a bit of cellaring. These are four stellar wines. Chef de Caves Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon and his team are doing brilliant work as they combine an artisan spirit of viticulture (especially with regards to biodynamic farming) and winemaking with the world of high end, luxury cuvées. Champagne is full of talented winemakers, but Lécaillon is the only Chef de Caves I know of whose intellect and curiosity extends to the broader universe of wine rather than being limited to Champagne alone. That more worldly view comes through in brilliant Champagnes that are often at the top of the pack, as they are again in both 2009 and 2008. Simply put, Roederer's 2009s and 2008s are must haves for serious Champagne drinkers. ANTONIO GALLONI, Vinous

If the 2014 vintage was especially open and demonstrative, the 2015 Cristal is going to require more patience. Unwinding in the glass with aromas of citrus oil, crisp stone fruits, white flowers, crushed mint and subtle hints of buttery pastry, it is 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. 95+ WILLIAM KELLEY, The Wine Advocate

Region: Champagne, FRANCE

Variety: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir

ABV: 12.5%

Liquor Act 2007. It is against the law to sell or supply alcohol to, or to obtain alcohol on behalf of a person under the age of 18 years. Lic No. LIQP770016424

*We endeavour to ensure the correct vintage is displayed, however some variations may occur in store and for delivered bottles.