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.

The 2013 Louis Roederer Cristal Rosé is a truly exceptional Champagne that is sure to captivate even the most discerning wine lover. This stunning wine is presented in a beautiful salmon hue, which immediately catches the eye. On the nose, it reveals a rich yet subtle bouquet of orange blossom, white flowers, toasted brioche, and chalky minerality. With a bit of coaxing, the aromas become even more complex, offering enticing notes of spice, dried strawberry, and even hints of a well-aged library book.

On the palate, the 2013 Cristal Rosé is richly textured and medium to full-bodied, showcasing surprising opulence and a great mid-palate. These attributes are perfectly balanced by a vibrant spine of acidity, resulting in a wine that is initially soft and easygoing but evolves beautifully with air. The precise mix of suppleness, texture, and precision is truly remarkable and must be experienced to be fully appreciated.

This wine can be enjoyed now, or it can be cellared for 20 to 30 years, possibly even longer. Its aging potential is outstanding, and it is expected to develop even more complexity and depth over time. The 2013 Cristal Rosé is a blend of 55% Pinot Noir from Aÿ and 45% Chardonnay from Avize and Mesnil, crafted using the classic Roederer infusion style. Approximately 25% of the lots were fermented in oak, while malolactic fermentation was blocked.

Renowned wine critics have heaped praise upon this remarkable Champagne. Jeb Dunnuck awarded it an impressive score of 98 points, describing it as a "magical Champagne" that offers incredible complexity and a mix of suppleness, texture, and precision. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate also awarded it 99 points, hailing it as a strong candidate for wine-of-the-vintage honors in Champagne. Wine Spectator awarded it 97 points, praising its precision balance and expressive range of flavors.

In conclusion, the 2013 Louis Roederer Cristal Rosé is a Champagne that pushes the boundaries of excellence. Its finesse, complexity, and aging potential make it a true gem in the world of wine. Whether enjoyed now or cellared for years to come, this wine is sure to provide a memorable and enchanting experience.