Louis Roederer Cristal 2014 Champagne

Our Verdict

A stellar wine, the 2014 Cristal reflects the recent conversion to biodynamic farming, and a winemaking style more focussed on what the land and vintage bring, as opposed to holding obstinately to house style. There is a stunning interplay between tightly-focussed, rapier acidity and the melange of citrus fruits, nuts, stone fruits, florals … and everything else the wine throws at you.

Medium straw-yellow colour, with a super-complex bouquet that summons nougat, almond-iced pastries, peanut brittle and lemon juice. A hint of milk powder. The palate is searingly intense and powered by vivacious lemony acidity, while the creaminess of the mousse is exquisite. The finish is very long and refined, the texture creamy and seamless in its effortless flow. A wonderful wine, but the acidity is challenging solo and it really cries out for food, even something as simple as oysters. I'd give it more time to lose its austerity. (60% pinot noir, 40% chardonnay. 32% vinified in oak. No malolactic. Dosage 7 grams/litre.) - Huon Hooke, The Real Review, 1 February, 2022, 98 Points

• Size 750ml

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