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 2008 Louis Roederer Cristal is a truly exceptional wine that showcases the finesse and elegance of a top-quality Champagne. This vintage has received rave reviews from critics, and it's easy to see why.

The wine is a blend of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay, sourced from 37 of the 45 parcels that are considered for inclusion in this cuvée. It was disgorged in September 2017 with a dosage of 7.5 grams per liter, making it a beautifully balanced Champagne.

Upon pouring, the Cristal reveals a pale golden color with fine bubbles that create a delicate mousse. The nose is pure and vibrant, offering a bouquet of crisp orchard fruit, clear honey, warm brioche, citrus zest, and white flowers. It's a symphony of aromas that entice the senses.

On the palate, this Champagne is full-bodied and intense, with superb concentration and racy acidity. The flavors of orchard fruit and citrus are complemented by notes of toasted almonds and a hint of chamomile. The mouthfeel is luxurious, with a creamy texture that is perfectly balanced by a searingly chalky finish.

The 2008 Louis Roederer Cristal is a wine of exceptional quality, and it has the potential to age gracefully for many years to come. It has been compared to the legendary 2002 vintage and is considered one of the finest young Cristals in decades.

With its impeccable balance, precise structure, and complex flavor profile, this Champagne is a true masterpiece. It is a wine that will impress even the most discerning wine connoisseur and is a must-try for any Champagne lover. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with fine cuisine, the 2008 Louis Roederer Cristal is a wine that will create a memorable experience.