ready-improve2002 Champagne Louis Roederer, Cristal, Brut (2020 Late Release)

The 2002 Cristal is now entering its first plateau of maturity, making it a terrific Champagne for drinking. Hints of apricot, brioche, lemon confit, honey, hazelnut, baked apple tart and spice give the 2002 striking layers of nuance.

Rich and generous, the 2002 shows plenty of the natural opulence of the year and yet retains terrific freshness. Cristal is a blend of Pinot from Ay, Verzenay, Verzy and Beaumont sur Vesle, and Chardonnay from Mesnil, Cramant and Oger.

The dosage is 9 grams per litre. This is the original 2010 disgorgement. What a wine.

Drink 2019 - 2039

Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com (December 2019)