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 2015 Louis Roederer Cristal is a Champagne blend composed of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay. This vintage does not undergo malolactic fermentation, and 25% of the wine is aged in oak. It features a dosage of 7 grams per liter and was disgorged in November 2022.

Decanter awarded this wine a score of 95, noting its "open and inviting nose" with hints of cream, oatmeal, and Amalfi lemon. The palate offers "mouthwatering lemon ripeness" and a "juicy, mouthfilling generosity" reminiscent of yellow plum. The review highlights the wine's "fine mousse" and "long finish," emphasizing its ripe stone fruit and chalky depth.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate also rated this wine 95, describing it as a Champagne that "will require more patience." The review mentions aromas of "citrus oil, crisp stone fruits, white flowers, crushed mint, and subtle hints of buttery pastry." It is described as "medium to full-bodied, deep and layered," with a "chalky extract" and "pinpoint mousse."

Vinous gave the 2015 Cristal a score of 96, praising its "rich, dense and explosive" nature with "tremendous textual intensity." The wine features flavors of "citrus confit, spice, ginger, chalk, and dried flowers," and is noted for its "tremendous aromatic presence." Reviewer Antonio Galloni mentions that the wine "has already started to shut down a bit," suggesting it may require more time to fully open up.

The Wine Independent gave an excellent review, scoring it 98 and describing it as having an "exquisitely delicate yet complex perfume" with notes of "clover honey, freshly shaved ginger, marzipan, and jasmine." The palate is noted for its "finesse, featuring very fine bubbles and fantastic intensity."

James Suckling rated the wine 97, praising its "tremendous freshness and elegance" for a warm and dry vintage. He highlights the "complex nose of citrus blossom, mint, lemon, and lime zest" and mentions that "a year or two more in the bottle will do a lot for the very long mineral finish."

Wine Spectator, awarding it 96 points, described the wine as "mouthwatering" with an "ethereal quality" and "generous expression." The review highlights "finely spun notes of patisserie apple and blackberry fruit" and a "minerally finish" with "grated ginger, blood orange granita, salted Marcona almond, and anise."

Wine Enthusiast also scored the wine 98, noting its "textured, mineral undertow" and stating that it is "just beginning to soften and show a balanced maturity." Roger Voss recommends drinking it now.

Jeb Dunnuck, who scored it 96, appreciated its balance of "decadence and notable freshness," mentioning "layered custardy notes of lemon balm, incense, apricot, and hazelnut." He describes it as "round and approachable" with "chalky tannin structure" for long-term aging.

Wine & Spirits gave it a near-perfect score of 98, praising its "fragrant white-peach flavors" and "delicate juiciness." The review suggests that Cristal 2015 is "built for the long haul" with "sophisticated and layered" qualities.