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 2014 Louis Roederer Cristal is an exceptional Champagne that exemplifies elegance, purity, and power. With a pale white color and a mesmerizing clarity, this wine is a true work of art. The nose is filled with an array of aromas, including ripe citrus fruit, nectarine, white flowers, and freshly baked bread. Subtle hints of honeycomb add complexity and depth to the bouquet.

On the palate, the 2014 Cristal showcases a perfect balance between richness and finesse. It is medium to full-bodied, vinous, and fleshy, with a core of exuberant fruit that is beautifully complemented by racy acids. The wine has a chiseled and demonstrative character, displaying both early appeal and the potential for long-term cellaring. The finish is long, aromatic, and intensely chalky, leaving a lasting impression.

This vintage of Cristal is sourced from 39 plots and crafted from a blend of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay. The Pinot Noir components are predominantly from the north-facing villages of Verzy and Verzenay, which bring saline energy and vibrancy to the wine. The Chardonnays are sourced from historic plots in Avize, Mesnil, and Cramant.

The critics have been unanimous in their praise for the 2014 Cristal. Decanter awarded it a score of 95, describing it as having "purity, energy, and power." James Suckling gave it a score of 97, highlighting its mineral and oyster-shell aromas and its intense finish. Jeb Dunnuck was equally impressed, awarding the wine a score of 98 and noting its hyper-refined mousse and irresistible chalky texture. Other publications such as Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, Vinous, Wine Spectator, and Wine Enthusiast also bestowed high scores and praised the wine's complexity and aging potential.

The 2014 Louis Roederer Cristal is a true masterpiece that showcases the best of Champagne craftsmanship. It is a wine that can be enjoyed now, but it will undoubtedly evolve and improve with further cellaring. Whether you are a connoisseur or a casual wine lover, this wine is a must-try for its exceptional quality and timeless elegance.