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98
/ 100
Stephan Reinhardt
Sparkling
Classification
Pinot/Chardonnay
Variety
2002
Vintage
750ml (Bottle)
Bottle Size
France
Country
Champagne,
Region
13.0%
Alcohol %
15 Plus Years
Cellaring
Scores
98 / 100"Roederer's 2002 Cristal is a fabulous wine! Originally released in 2009, it was re-released in March this yearand was sold out in a very short time. The Cristal I tasted at Roederer in May 2018 was disgorged in 2010, after seven years sur lie. Its amazing richness and concentration makes it a forerunner of the 2015 and follows the 1999. Only two times2002 and 2015the fruit from all 42 plots reserved for Cristal was used for the Cristal. I couldn't do any better blend than the one assembling all the 42 plots, says Jean-Baptiste Lcaillon, stressing that at that time only two hectares were farmed biodynamically. As a result of the conversion to biodynamic farming, Lcaillon promised himself the production of even more beautiful, vital and balanced wines, and you can feel his satisfaction whenever he speaks of the cuves that are yet to come such as 2012 and 2015, the latter of which he calls the new 2002. Back to history: the nose of the 2002 Cristal shows a deep, ripe and elegant fruit with aromas of white chocolate, wet chalk, wild vanilla and pepper (typical for 2002) as well as terroir-driven truffle notes. Intense and very elegant in the mouth, this is a ripe, rich and concentrated yet also pure and vital Cristal with great finesse, elegance and mineral complexity. It's a sublime Champagne right now, although it's more wine than Champagne."
- Stephan Reinhardt
Tasting Notes
A super rich blend of the highest quality Champagne grapes 55% Pinot Noir and 45% Chardonnay.
Very fine, intense bouquet, scents of white flowers and vine and the aroma of fresh almonds. A supple, generous attack, silky on the palate but delicately substantial and perfectly blended. There is a subtle vinosity to the taste which moderates its strength well, persisting to a lingering yet lively finish.
Tasting Profile
- Light
- Full
- Low Tannin
- Tannic
- Sweet
- Dry
- Low Acidity
- High Acidity