Size 750mL
From the Winery:
An eternal vineyard
In this vineyard dedicated entirely to the Cristal cuvée, consistency lies in change. Each year, depending on the climate and the growing season, only the best plots are selected to retain the most authentic essence of Cristal.
These exceptional sites, patiently shaped since 1841 by generations of the House of Louis Roederer, are cultivated with meticulous care, reflecting a winemaker's approach and a respect for all living things. Ethical practices are applied daily, such as massal selection, gentle pruning, and even extended fallow periods. These methods are inspired by the permaculture model, where the ecosystem regulates its own balance and unites humanity with nature.
A vintage in perfect harmony
The 2016 vintage displays an unusual and unexpected harmony: an absolute balance between Cristal's sun-drenched character and its earthy foundation. This subtle equilibrium between sky and earth reflects the perfect proportion between the intensity of the aromas, forged in the summer heat, the wine's vibrancy, and its juicy, saline texture, nourished by those utterly unique calcareous and clay soils.
Recapturing the near-perfect balance of vintages that are both ripe and polished, and following in the footsteps of the Champagne region's greatest successes—the fabulous and memorable 2002, 2008, and 2012 vintages—Cristal 2016 interprets a score that is both new and exciting. This vintage produces pure and structured wines, crowned by supreme freshness and precision.
Reviews:
98 Wine Independent
"The 2016 Cristal is a blend of 58% Pinot Noir and 42% Chardonnay with 7 grams per liter of dosage. No malo-lactic was performed here, and 31% of the base wines were aged in French oak. The nose begins with bright red berry notes of fresh raspberries and strawberries before opening out to a complex undercurrent of saffron, white chocolate, talc, baker’s yeast, and emerging wafts of citron blossom and pear tart. The palate is very dry and spicy, not needing even a touch more sweetness thanks to the abundance of ripe berry and citrus flavors, delivering beautifully knit acidity and typically tiny, persistent bubbles. It finishes with notes of effervescent chalkiness and saffron flowers, leaving you reaching for another sip. (LPB) 98+"
98 Wine Enthusiast
"This iconic Champagne, first made in the 19th century for the Tsar of Russia, shows its typical stunning balance and poise between richness and concentration. It has a pure white fruit and honeysuckle aroma and tight, tangy fresh fruit flavors. Just ready to drink, the wine will age well, for at least 20 years. Organic. *Cellar Selection* (RV)"
97 Decanter
"Cristal 2016 represents a return to purity and classicism for this cuvée, even seen through the lens of 2016's ripe, generous nature. It is discreet in youth, cloaking its ripeness in long, chalky, stony energy. Gentle mandarin, pale apricot and raspberry fruit sit under slowly maturing notions of floral honey and tight, smoky charm. An airy, flowing delicacy and persistence lifts this above some other expressions of this year. It's a hugely promising Cristal, likely to stand as tall as the sought-after 2012 and 2013 releases. (TH)"
97 Wine Advocate
"The 2016 Cristal is a taut, incisive rendition of this benchmark bottling, unwinding in the glass with youthfully reserved aromas of citrus oil, white flowers, wet stones and subtle hints of sweet, buttery pastry. Medium to full-bodied, chiseled and racy, it's almost as electric as the brilliant 2013, with serious concentration, a pure core of fruit, chalky structuring dry extract and a long, intensely mineral finish. Given its tightly wound profile, my advice is to forget it in the cellar for a few years and work on the more open, outgoing 2014 in the meantime. (WK)"
96 Vinous
"The 2016 Cristal is bright, aromatic and nicely lifted. Citrus peel white flowers, mint and a touch of chamomile all grace this understated, wonderfully refined edition of Cristal. Light on its feet and super-refined, the 2016 is exquisite in its understated beauty. I can’t wait to see how the 2016 ages and won’t be surprised it gains a bit of weight in bottle, as Cristal so often does. The blend is 58% Pinot Noir and 42% Chardonnay, so a touch more Chardonnay than the norm. Of the 45 parcels that make up the Cristal domaine, just 32 were used for the blend. Verzy and Verzenay dominate the Pinots, then Aÿ. Avize takes the lead in the Chardonnays, followed by Mesnil and Cramant. Dosage is 7 grams per liter. (AG)"
96 Wine Spectator
"This leads with pronounced minerality on the nose, but then a bright burst of tangerine, blood orange and Meyer lemon flavors on the palate hold sway, joined by rich hints of crème de cassis, toast point, pastry cream and crystallized honey. Showing beautiful integration and a refined, lacy mousse, this is compact and statuesque, with a sense of restraint and the hint of more to come, while at the same time offering lovely expression in the glass today. Fresh and focused on the persistent finish. *Collectible* (AN)"