In 1845, at a time when majority of winemakers were buying the grapes rather than cultivating their own, Louis Roederer took a visionary approach. Wanting to master every aspect of the wine’s creation, he acquired several Grand Cru vineyards in Verzenay. Since then, every Louis Roederer vintage originates exclusively from their own vines. Its tete-de-cuvee, Louis Roederer Cristal, is among the finest Champagnes in the world.

The estate, which originally comprised 100 hectares acquired in 1850, now extends over 240 hectares, carefully chosen from the best terroirs of the Montagne de Reims, the Cote des Blancs, and the Vallee de la Marne. The estate cultivates 3 traditional grape varieties: Chardonnay for its minerality, finesse, and elegance; Pinot Noir’s solid constitution which adds structure to the blends and prepares the wine for aging; and Pinot Meunier whose adaptability brings harmony and softness to certain cuvees.

The Louis Roederer House has remained an independent, family-owned company and is now managed by Frederic Rouzaud, who represents the seventh generation of the lineage.

Roederer’s most famous wine was created in 1876 to satisfy the demanding tastes of Tsar Alexander II. Particularly fond of the House’s wine, the emperor asked Louis Roederer to reserve the best cuvee for him every year. To distinguish this cuvee, this exceptional champagne came in a flat-bottomed, transparent lead-crystal bottle. The new brand was named after this precious material, which is particularly transparent and luminous.

Produced only during the best vintage years, when the Chardonnay (around 40%) and Pinot Noir (around 60%) grapes have attained perfect maturity, Cristal is aged for 6 years in Louis Roederer’s cellars and left for a further 8 months after degorgement.

Cristal is a remarkably balanced and refined champagne whose length is inimitable. It has a silky texture and fruity aromas, complemented by a powerful mineral quality with white fruit and citrus notes. Cristal is a wine that keeps well: it can be aged for over twenty years without losing its freshness and character.

The 2015 Louis Roederer Cristal is a remarkable Champagne blend that exemplifies the elegance and finesse of the Champagne region in France. Produced by the renowned Louis Roederer, this white wine is a testament to their commitment to crafting exceptional wines.

In the glass, the Cristal displays a beautiful pale golden color, hinting at the sophistication and complexity that awaits. The nose is immediately inviting, with notes of cream, oatmeal, and Amalfi lemon. There is also a subtle edge of smoke, adding an intriguing dimension to the aroma.

On the palate, this wine truly shines. It captivates with a mouthwatering lemon ripeness and a juicy, mouthfilling generosity reminiscent of yellow plum. The concentration of the 2015 vintage is evident, and the wine stays true to the trademark sleekness of Cristal. The fine mousse accentuates the fullness and roundness of the wine, while the long finish hints at chalky depth.

Numerous wine experts have praised the 2015 Cristal for its exceptional qualities. Decanter gives it a score of 95, describing it as a wine to enjoy soon. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate also awards it 95+ points, noting its deep, concentrated core of fruit and considerable aging potential. Vinous rates it even higher, with a score of 96, highlighting its rich, dense, and explosive nature. The Wine Independent awards it an impressive score of 98, praising its delicate yet complex perfume and impeccable crafting.

Overall, the 2015 Louis Roederer Cristal is a wine of extraordinary character and finesse. It embodies the best of Champagne, with its vibrant acidity, refined bubbles, and complex flavors. Whether enjoyed now or aged for several years, this wine is sure to impress even the most discerning wine connoisseurs.