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 2012 Louis Roederer Cristal is a noteworthy Champagne blend that has garnered significant acclaim from various professional reviewers. This vintage is particularly remarkable as it marks a milestone for Louis Roederer, being the first Cristal produced entirely from organically and biodynamically farmed fruit.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded the 2012 Cristal a high score of 97 points. Reviewer WK highlighted its "clear honey, crisp green orchard fruit, white peach, pastry cream, and dried white flowers" aromas. The wine is described as "full-bodied, concentrated, and powerful," built for long-term aging with a "searingly chalky" finish.

James Suckling's review, which gave the wine 95 points, noted the evolution of the wine upon aeration. Stuart Pigott mentioned a "fragrant nose of lime zest, dried flowers, fresh almonds, and flint," along with a "bright and juicy" palate. He remarked on its potential for both immediate enjoyment and further aging.

Jeb Dunnuck was equally impressed, giving the wine 97 points. He praised its "gorgeous purity of fruit, seamless, layered mouthfeel, and flawless balance," describing it as a "beautiful, elegant yet rich Cristal to enjoy over the coming 20 years."

Wine Spectator also awarded it 97 points, calling it a "classic beauty." Reviewer A.N. focused on its "creamy, viscous quality" and "finely detailed flavors of poached quince, Mandarin orange preserves, toasted almond, and pickled ginger." The wine's "mineral-laced finish" and "soft zestiness" were particularly noted.

Wine Enthusiast's Roger Voss gave the highest score of 98 points, emphasizing its "density, elegance, and poise." He described the wine as "taut, tightly wound, and textured," with "pure, ripe white and citrus fruits" that contribute to its long-term potential.

John Gilman, from View From The Cellar, also rated it at 98 points. He highlighted its "beautiful young nose of pear, apple, fresh lemon, white flowers," and "chalky minerality." He praised its "deep, full-bodied, and nascently complex" palate, suggesting it deserves "plenty of time in the cellar to blossom properly."

Jeff Leve, from TheWineCellarInsider.com, awarded it 97 points, describing it as "creamy, fresh, vibrant, effervescent, and silky," with flavors of "fresh green apple, citrus, brioche, nuts, flowers, and honeysuckle."

Finally, Wine & Spirits gave it 95 points. The review mentioned the challenges faced during the biodynamic conversion, but praised the wine's "crispness and freshness," likening it to a "late-summer apple picked directly off the tree."

In summary, the 2012 Louis Roederer Cristal is a distinguished Champagne blend, celebrated for its purity, complexity, and potential for extended aging.