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 2013 Louis Roederer Cristal is a white wine that exemplifies the pinnacle of Champagne craftsmanship. With its elegant and refined character, this wine is a true testament to the artistry of the Louis Roederer house.

In the glass, the wine displays a radiant white color, reminiscent of the purest snow. The aromas that waft from the glass are a symphony of crisp orchard fruit, delicate white flowers, almond paste, and citrus oil. These fragrances entice the senses and prepare the palate for the sensory journey that awaits.

On the palate, the 2013 Cristal is medium to full-bodied, revealing a seamless and multidimensional texture. It is intense yet weightless, with racy acidity that enlivens the senses. The wine dances on the tongue, leaving a lasting impression of finesse and precision. The mousse, or bubbles, are pinpoint and add to the overall elegance of the wine.

The critics agree that this vintage is extraordinary. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded it a stunning 98 points, praising its combination of the cool-vintage cut of 2008 with the mature fruit of 2012. Jeb Dunnuck also awarded it an impressive 96 points, describing it as a beautiful wine with ripe orchard fruits, toasted bread, and chalky mineral notes.

Decanter awarded it 96 points, marveling at its soft gold color and the marriage of flavors that gracefully unfold on the palate. James Suckling was equally enamored, awarding it 97 points and noting its wide spectrum of candied citrus aromas and impressive concentration.

Vinous also awarded it 97+ points, highlighting its extraordinary precision and tension. Finally, Wine Spectator awarded it 96 points, commending its exotic hints of tangerine and candied ginger, as well as its plushly creamy mousse.

The 2013 Louis Roederer Cristal is a wine that demands attention and reverence. It is a true masterpiece that showcases the unique terroir of the Champagne region and the expertise of the Louis Roederer winemakers. This wine is perfect for special occasions or for those who appreciate the finest expressions of Champagne. It is destined to age gracefully for years to come, allowing its complexity to further unfold and captivate the senses.