Wine: 2002 Louis Roederer Cristal
Region: Champagne
Sokolin Price: $225/btl
Rating: 97 RP-HG
At a recent dinner party with some wine loving friends, someone brought a bottle of 2002 Louis Roederer Cristal, more commonly and simply referred to as just "Cristal." Lucky us! Louis Roederer is one of the most prestigious and well-known houses in all of Champagne, France, located in the city of Reims. True champagne can only come from Champagne, France, and any other bubbly produced elsewhere is referred to as sparkling wine.
Champagne is often categorized into 2 groups - non-vintage and vintage, with the majority of champagne falling under the non-vintage category. Vintage champagne is a higher quality champagne than non-vintage, and must be aged longer than non-vintage. It is also made of higher quality grapes. A cuvee prestige champagne is even a step above vintage champagne in terms of quality, and is truly the crème de la crème of all champagnes.
Cristal happens to be Louis Roederer's prestige cuvee champagne. Full-bodied, yet refined, we sipped on this vintage champagne early in the evening with a delicious pâté and assorted cheeses. The nose revealed wonderful hints of strawberries and pears that mingled with hints of toasted oak and nuts. While tasting, the tiny bubbles could be noticed as our palettes were inundated with a creamy textured and extremely well- balanced champagne. Just the right amount of acid and fruit made this extraordinary cuvee one to savor now and for quite some time to come. We rated this wine 97+ points and were very sorry once the bottle was gone.
Our Recommendation:
Louis Roederer is one of the most impressive estates in all of Champagne and after our sampling, we cannot disagree with the well-respected critics. This bottle makes the perfect start to an intimate party, celebration, special dinner or romantic evening. And if your summer calendar is filling up with weddings to attend, it also makes a great gift for the newlyweds. We suggest that you indulge yourself and put away a few bottles or case...you most certainly will not regret it...