1997 Champagne Louis Roederer Late Release Vignoble de la Rivière
De specificaties zoals vermeld bij de wijn (o.a. wijnjaar) en in de titel zijn leidend en er kunnen geen rechten worden ontleend aan de afbeelding die wordt getoond. Lees meer in onze Frequenty asked questions
| Type of Wine | Rosé |
|---|---|
| Country | France |
| Region | |
| Appellation | |
| Winery | |
| Vintage | 1997 |
| Grape | , |
| Content (Alc) | 1.5 ltr (12%) |
| Drink window | 2020 - 2040 |
| Available as of | Oct 22, 2025 |
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Description
An exclusive and rare champagne vintage with impressive maturing power.
History of Champagne Louis Roederer
Founded in 1776 in Reims, the Louis Roederer Champagne House is one of the largest independent family-owned estates in Champagne. The Louis Roederer name was adopted in 1833, and since then, the house has become a major player in high-quality champagnes. From the very beginning, the Roederer family has focused on its own vineyards rather than exclusively buying grapes, which has fostered a strong connection with the terroir.
Region and terroir of Champagne
Louis Roederer owns over 240 hectares of vineyards spread across key terroirs in the Montagne de Reims, the Vallée de la Marne, and the Côte des Blancs. The soils consist of limestone, chalk, and clay, which contribute to the freshness, minerality, and structure of the wines. The cool continental climate ensures slow ripening and the preservation of natural acidity, characteristic of Champagnes with potential. By taking direct responsibility for vineyard management and harvest selection, Louis Roederer maintains high quality.
Style and vision of Louis Roederer
The house is known for a precise style that balances power and elegance. Owning its own vineyards ensures control over every aspect of grape production. Louis Roederer places great value on sustainability and biodiversity in the vineyard. Vinification combines traditional and modern techniques: fermentation in both steel and oak barrels, long maturation on the lees, and an aging strategy that often exceeds the norm. This results in champagnes that both make an immediate impression and age beautifully.
1997 Louis Roederer Late Release Vignoble de la Rivière
The 1997 Louis Roederer Late Release Vignoble de la Rivière is a special cuvée from the house. This vintage comes from select plots along the Marne River, where the microclimate creates a fine balance of ripeness and freshness. The "Late Release" designation indicates that this wine was aged for a long time in Louis Roederer's cellars before being released. This extra time allows for elegant complexity, a refined bubbly structure, and deep development. Because the wine is now over 15 years old, it is fascinating to experience how it presents itself now: still strikingly present or already developing towards tertiary notes.
Grapes, harvest and vinification
This cuvée is a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The 1997 harvest had a mild spring and a late summer in which the grapes reached full ripeness while retaining their freshness. Hand-harvesting and gentle pressing ensured the quality of the base wine. During vinification, some of the wine was fermented in oak barrels to gain additional structure and aromas; another portion was aged in stainless steel. A smaller percentage underwent malolactic fermentation to achieve roundness. Afterwards, the wine rested extensively in the cellar on the yeast residues, after which the final blending took place, with a low dosage applied to ensure the terroir and freshness were not overshadowed.
Color, smell and taste
In the glass, the wine displays a deep golden yellow color with a fine, elegant, and persistent mousse. The nose reveals aromas of brioche, roasted hazelnut, candied white fruit, and a subtle salty mineral note from the riverbed. After a little breathing, a nutty accent and a hint of citrus emerge alongside delicate spices. On the palate, the wine is refined, with a full structure yet a refreshing tension. Notes of ripe apple, lemon zest, almond, and toast alternate. The long aging process has resulted in a silky, bubbly structure and a long, elegant finish. Despite its age, the wine remains remarkably vibrant and demands attention to fully reveal its full potential.
Would you like to order Louis Roederer wines online?
If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you these when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pickup" at the checkout page. We're located in Dordrecht, just off the A16 motorway with ample parking. Click here for our address. You can read the full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others. Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grand Cru customers.
Wine and food pairings
- Langoustines with beurre blanc and dill: the creamy sauce and soft texture of the langoustines complement the fine mousse and minerality of this champagne.
- Veal tenderloin with lemon risotto: the mild meat and fresh risotto are supported by the lively acidity and subtle brioche notes.
- Shallot and goat cheese tarte tatin: the sweet-savory combination complements the candied fruit notes and nutty complexity.
- Turbot with beurre noisette and capers: the nutty butter and capers give the wine space to show its elegance and length.
- Lobster with vanilla and cauliflower cream: the subtle sweetness and creaminess find balance with the rich structure and bright profile of the wine.
- Truffle and Parmesan Ravioli: The earthy aromas enhance the complex, mature notes in the glass, allowing the wine to provide a wonderful accompaniment.
Specifications
| Available as of | Oct 22, 2025 |
|---|---|
| Type of Wine | Rosé |
| Country | France |
| Region | Champagne |
| Appellation | Champagne |
| Icons | Icon France |
| Winery | Louis Roederer |
| Grape | Chardonnay, Pinot Noir |
| Biological certified | No |
| Natural wine | No |
| Vegan | No |
| Vintage | 1997 |
| Drinking as of | 2020 |
| Drinking till | 2040 |
| Alcohol % | 12 |
| Alcohol free/low | No |
| Content | 1.5 ltr |
| Oak aging | Yes |
| Sparkling | Yes |
| Dessert wine | No |
| Closure | Cork |
| Parker rating | 100 |
| James Suckling rating | 98 |
| Vinous rating | 98 |
| Tasting Profiles | Complex, Droog, Fris, Mineraal, Strak, Wit fruit |
| Drink moments | Cadeau!, Iets te vieren, Indruk maken, Lekker luxe, Romantisch |
Professional Reviews
Parker
The Wine Advocate
RP 100
Reviewed by:
Stephan Reinhardt
Release Price:
$790
Drink Date:
2018 - 2040
The 2002 Cristal Rosé has always been suspected to become a legend one day. Now, nine years later, the onion-colored wine has arrived in the Olympus of the finest Champagnes. Clear, matured and vinous on the intense and complex yet very delicate nose, this is a lush, succulent, perfectly round and intense 2002 that equilibrates its generosity and texture with great elegance and spellbinding balance. Stunningly, this seamless, charmingly seductive and voluptuous character is combined with great purity and harmony, especially in the finish that is not just round and caressing but also fresh, piquant and stimulatingly salty. Is there anything more we could expect from a Rosé Champagne? Even if you served me the wine in a black glass, it would still be a gorgeous, beautiful wine. Yes, it's wine rather than anything else, and its bubbly vinosity makes me desperate for more. If I just could, I would marry the 2002 Cristal Rosé straightaway. The cuvée reflects a great continental vintage as well as the stupendous terroirs of Aÿ (Pinot Noir: 60%), Avize and Mesnil (Chardonnay: 40%). The bottle I tasted at Roederer in Reims in May 2018 was disgorged in 2011, so, like the 2008, after eight years on the second lees.
Postscript: When I came back home from the tasing two weeks later and re-read my notes that finished with, "This is very, very close to 100 points," and had the score as "99+" (the most brutal of all scores), I asked myself: was this artificial reservation just because of the stupendous potential of the 2008 Cristal? Or was it due to the fact the 2002 Cristal Rosé could be topped by the 2002 Cristal Rosé Vinothèque in five years or so? Sometimes we critics tend to be too academic while speed tasting wine, and we don't have the spontaneous joy of drinking wine like our readers. If I only had the choice, I would have ended my day with the 2002 Cristal Rosé, but in fact, I met the wine only for 15 to 20 minutes. I loved it, it's a spellbinding beauty, but is this 2002 really the first 100-pointer Champagne in the 40-year history of The Wine Advocate? I don't know if it is the best Champagne of the past 40 years (I would never say that for any wine), but in fact, I would be the first reviewer giving a Champagne the perfect score. Is this wine really worth it? Today, I am asking myself why I have put myself through these questions instead of just drinking a glass of this Rosé Cristal, at least one! What do we know about tomorrow? Will we still be here? Will the 2008 be as good as the 2002 is right now just because the grapes were cultivated 100% biodynamically, thus with even more care? Well, here and now is the 2002, and it will most likely not get any better but will keep its high class for years. It is doubtlessly the finest Rosé Champagne I have ever had, and if I had to write down all the attributes I like to find in a perfect Rosé, it would be charm, finesse and generosity as well as freshness, intensity and purity, or simply: "Just like the Cristal Rosé 2002."
Here are the most recent and upcoming cuvées from Louis Roederer, and the list is full of highlights. For the Cristal and Cristal Rosé vintages 2009 and the just released 2008, see the Cristal report published in the Interim Mid-June Issue. Here, readers will find tasting notes for the 2002 Cristal and Cristal Rosé, both of which are rich and concentrated legends in top form, especially the Rosé, which received the highest rating of all Champagnes being tasted in 40 years of The Wine Advocate. This isn't spectacular enough? Well, then let me draw your attention to "the other" Cristal—Cristal Vinothèque. The Vinothèque collection is more than just a late-release edition of Cristal. The recently released 1995 as well as the upcoming 1996 vintages spent 14 years before disgorgement and another seven years after. Due to the fact that acidity rounds out with age, the dosage of the Cristal Vinothèque is significantly lower than the original disgorgement. The 1995 Cristal Vinothèque was the inaugural vintage for both the white and the rosé, and it will be followed by the 1996 in September 2018. The 1997 and 1999 will follow in the coming years.
If you prefer Cristal in a bigger, richer and more concentrated style, you should go for the caressing 2002 (at least in three-star Michelin restaurants, readers might still have a chance to find one), whereas freshness and elegance is perfectly represented in the 2008 and 1996 vintages.
Published: Jun 29, 2018
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
James Suckling
Score
98
Avg Price (ex-tax)
$ 458
Louis Roederer Champagne Cristal 2002
Friday, Jul 12, 2019
Color
Sparkling
Country
France
Region
Champagne
Vintage
2002
Download Shelftalker
A re-release of the original 2010 disgorgement. Super fine, super fresh and super savory aromas of chalky stones with hints of flowers, white almonds, lemon peel and grapefruit. The palate has intense, mouth-filling, lemon-curd flavor. Very powerful, very concentrated and very expressive. Smooth finish that’s full of life, leaving a bright, white cherry note. Drink in 2022.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
Vinous
98
Drinking Window
2018 - 2047
From: Champagne: The 2018 Summer Preview (Jul 2018)
As hard as it may seem to believe, the 2002 Cristal Rosé (Re-Release) is even better than the Blanc. Utterly explosive in the glass, with soaring aromatics and tremendous palate presence, the 2002 dazzles from the very first taste. With time in the glass the 2002 grows effortlessly, showing myriad shades of nuance with each successive taste. I am reminded of the vertical I did of Cristal Rosé here a few years ago. Yes, the Rosé is expensive and rare. But it also delivers the goods. And then some.
- By Antonio Galloni on March 2018
Roederer has a number of superb Champagnes in the market this year. The 2008 Cristal and Cristal Rosé are every bit as thrilling as they have been in previous tastings. The maison is also re-releasing the 2002 Cristal and Cristal Rosé. These are the same exact wines as the first releases. Lastly, the 1996 Cristal Vinothèque and 1996 Cristal Rosé Vinothèque represent the latest in the house’s evolution. The Vinothèque Champagnes are quite different from the first and second releases, as explained in the tasting notes below. When all is said and done, under the direction of Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon, Roederer is one of the most ambitious and exciting producers in Champagne, big or small.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
100/100
Mittleres Goldgelb, silberfarbene Reflexe. sehr feines Mousseux. Feine Noten von Grapefruitzesten, ein Hauch von Babyananas, weißer Pfirsich, Nuancen von roten Waldbeeren, mineralisch, finessenreiches Bukett. Am Gaumen komplex, straff, finessenreich strukturiert, Nuancen von gelbem Apfel und Steinobst, eine Textur wie feinste Seide, ungemein zart, verläuft sowohl vertikal wie horizontal, bleibt minutenlang haften, verfügt nach 22 Jahren über eine schier unfassbare Frische, ein Champagner von großer Delikatesse, im Nachhall ein Hauch von delikater Süße. (PM, 09/2024)
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
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Wijnhuis
Louis Roederer is a prestigious champagne producer based in the Champagne region of France. The House of Louis Roederer is known for its commitment to quality, traditional winemaking methods and its signature cuvée, Cristal.
History of Louis Roederer
Louis Roederer was founded in 1776 by a German wine merchant named Louis Roederer. The house started as a wine shop and became involved in the production of Champagne in the early 19th century. In 1827, Louis Roederer's cousin, Adolphe Roederer, took over the business. Adolphe played a crucial role in the expansion and growth of this producer. He traveled extensively to build relationships with European courts, including the Russian Imperial Court. In 1876, Louis Roederer created the iconic Cristal Champagne. It was originally produced exclusively for the Russian Tsars and was presented in a crystal clear bottle, which is the origin of the name 'Cristal'. Louis Roederer remained a family business for many years. However, in 1932 the Rouzaud family, relatives of the Roederer family, took over the house. The Rouzaud family owns and manages Louis Roederer to this day. Like many companies in Champagne, Louis Roederer faced challenges during the World Wars, including damage to their cellars. Despite these difficulties, they persevered and continued to produce exceptional champagne. Louis Roederer has a long history of producing high quality champagnes. They are known for their traditional winemaking methods, including hand harvesting, fermentation in oak barrels and long-term aging in cellars.
Cristal
One of the most famous Champagnes produced by Louis Roederer is Cristal. Created in 1876, Cristal is a prestigious and luxurious cuvée originally produced for the Russian Tsars. It is typically a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes with Chardonnay as the dominant grape variety. They are known for their exceptional quality, elegance and aging potential. It is known for its fine, persistent bubbles, a rich and creamy texture and a harmonious balance of flavors and aromas. Cristal is highly regarded by wine critics and collectors worldwide. It consistently receives high ratings and is considered one of the best Champagnes available. Bottles of Cristal are often collected and aged for special occasions. The clear crystal bottle in which Cristal was originally presented was changed to a conventional bottle design in the early 20th century. This change was made to protect the taste and quality of the wine, as the clear glass was found to be sensitive to light exposure. Today, Cristal is usually bottled in an elegant, clear glass bottle with gold packaging.
Louis Roederer's vineyards
Louis Roederer owns and manages vineyards in the best Champagne crus, including the Grand Cru vineyards of Verzenay, Verzy and Ay, among others. These vineyards supply the grapes for their exceptional wines.
Assortment by Louis Roederer
In addition to Cristal, Louis Roederer produces a range of other champagnes, including Brut Premier, Vintage Brut, Rosé and Blanc de Blancs. These wines suit a wide range of preferences and occasions. Louis Roederer's Champagnes have received critical acclaim from wine critics and publications around the world and are considered some of the finest Champagnes produced in the region.
An exclusive and rare champagne vintage with impressive maturing power.
History of Champagne Louis Roederer
Founded in 1776 in Reims, the Louis Roederer Champagne House is one of the largest independent family-owned estates in Champagne. The Louis Roederer name was adopted in 1833, and since then, the house has become a major player in high-quality champagnes. From the very beginning, the Roederer family has focused on its own vineyards rather than exclusively buying grapes, which has fostered a strong connection with the terroir.
Region and terroir of Champagne
Louis Roederer owns over 240 hectares of vineyards spread across key terroirs in the Montagne de Reims, the Vallée de la Marne, and the Côte des Blancs. The soils consist of limestone, chalk, and clay, which contribute to the freshness, minerality, and structure of the wines. The cool continental climate ensures slow ripening and the preservation of natural acidity, characteristic of Champagnes with potential. By taking direct responsibility for vineyard management and harvest selection, Louis Roederer maintains high quality.
Style and vision of Louis Roederer
The house is known for a precise style that balances power and elegance. Owning its own vineyards ensures control over every aspect of grape production. Louis Roederer places great value on sustainability and biodiversity in the vineyard. Vinification combines traditional and modern techniques: fermentation in both steel and oak barrels, long maturation on the lees, and an aging strategy that often exceeds the norm. This results in champagnes that both make an immediate impression and age beautifully.
1997 Louis Roederer Late Release Vignoble de la Rivière
The 1997 Louis Roederer Late Release Vignoble de la Rivière is a special cuvée from the house. This vintage comes from select plots along the Marne River, where the microclimate creates a fine balance of ripeness and freshness. The "Late Release" designation indicates that this wine was aged for a long time in Louis Roederer's cellars before being released. This extra time allows for elegant complexity, a refined bubbly structure, and deep development. Because the wine is now over 15 years old, it is fascinating to experience how it presents itself now: still strikingly present or already developing towards tertiary notes.
Grapes, harvest and vinification
This cuvée is a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The 1997 harvest had a mild spring and a late summer in which the grapes reached full ripeness while retaining their freshness. Hand-harvesting and gentle pressing ensured the quality of the base wine. During vinification, some of the wine was fermented in oak barrels to gain additional structure and aromas; another portion was aged in stainless steel. A smaller percentage underwent malolactic fermentation to achieve roundness. Afterwards, the wine rested extensively in the cellar on the yeast residues, after which the final blending took place, with a low dosage applied to ensure the terroir and freshness were not overshadowed.
Color, smell and taste
In the glass, the wine displays a deep golden yellow color with a fine, elegant, and persistent mousse. The nose reveals aromas of brioche, roasted hazelnut, candied white fruit, and a subtle salty mineral note from the riverbed. After a little breathing, a nutty accent and a hint of citrus emerge alongside delicate spices. On the palate, the wine is refined, with a full structure yet a refreshing tension. Notes of ripe apple, lemon zest, almond, and toast alternate. The long aging process has resulted in a silky, bubbly structure and a long, elegant finish. Despite its age, the wine remains remarkably vibrant and demands attention to fully reveal its full potential.
Would you like to order Louis Roederer wines online?
If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you these when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pickup" at the checkout page. We're located in Dordrecht, just off the A16 motorway with ample parking. Click here for our address. You can read the full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others. Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grand Cru customers.
Wine and food pairings
- Langoustines with beurre blanc and dill: the creamy sauce and soft texture of the langoustines complement the fine mousse and minerality of this champagne.
- Veal tenderloin with lemon risotto: the mild meat and fresh risotto are supported by the lively acidity and subtle brioche notes.
- Shallot and goat cheese tarte tatin: the sweet-savory combination complements the candied fruit notes and nutty complexity.
- Turbot with beurre noisette and capers: the nutty butter and capers give the wine space to show its elegance and length.
- Lobster with vanilla and cauliflower cream: the subtle sweetness and creaminess find balance with the rich structure and bright profile of the wine.
- Truffle and Parmesan Ravioli: The earthy aromas enhance the complex, mature notes in the glass, allowing the wine to provide a wonderful accompaniment.
| Available as of | Oct 22, 2025 |
|---|---|
| Type of Wine | Rosé |
| Country | France |
| Region | Champagne |
| Appellation | Champagne |
| Icons | Icon France |
| Winery | Louis Roederer |
| Grape | Chardonnay, Pinot Noir |
| Biological certified | No |
| Natural wine | No |
| Vegan | No |
| Vintage | 1997 |
| Drinking as of | 2020 |
| Drinking till | 2040 |
| Alcohol % | 12 |
| Alcohol free/low | No |
| Content | 1.5 ltr |
| Oak aging | Yes |
| Sparkling | Yes |
| Dessert wine | No |
| Closure | Cork |
| Parker rating | 100 |
| James Suckling rating | 98 |
| Vinous rating | 98 |
| Tasting Profiles | Complex, Droog, Fris, Mineraal, Strak, Wit fruit |
| Drink moments | Cadeau!, Iets te vieren, Indruk maken, Lekker luxe, Romantisch |
Parker
The Wine Advocate
RP 100
Reviewed by:
Stephan Reinhardt
Release Price:
$790
Drink Date:
2018 - 2040
The 2002 Cristal Rosé has always been suspected to become a legend one day. Now, nine years later, the onion-colored wine has arrived in the Olympus of the finest Champagnes. Clear, matured and vinous on the intense and complex yet very delicate nose, this is a lush, succulent, perfectly round and intense 2002 that equilibrates its generosity and texture with great elegance and spellbinding balance. Stunningly, this seamless, charmingly seductive and voluptuous character is combined with great purity and harmony, especially in the finish that is not just round and caressing but also fresh, piquant and stimulatingly salty. Is there anything more we could expect from a Rosé Champagne? Even if you served me the wine in a black glass, it would still be a gorgeous, beautiful wine. Yes, it's wine rather than anything else, and its bubbly vinosity makes me desperate for more. If I just could, I would marry the 2002 Cristal Rosé straightaway. The cuvée reflects a great continental vintage as well as the stupendous terroirs of Aÿ (Pinot Noir: 60%), Avize and Mesnil (Chardonnay: 40%). The bottle I tasted at Roederer in Reims in May 2018 was disgorged in 2011, so, like the 2008, after eight years on the second lees.
Postscript: When I came back home from the tasing two weeks later and re-read my notes that finished with, "This is very, very close to 100 points," and had the score as "99+" (the most brutal of all scores), I asked myself: was this artificial reservation just because of the stupendous potential of the 2008 Cristal? Or was it due to the fact the 2002 Cristal Rosé could be topped by the 2002 Cristal Rosé Vinothèque in five years or so? Sometimes we critics tend to be too academic while speed tasting wine, and we don't have the spontaneous joy of drinking wine like our readers. If I only had the choice, I would have ended my day with the 2002 Cristal Rosé, but in fact, I met the wine only for 15 to 20 minutes. I loved it, it's a spellbinding beauty, but is this 2002 really the first 100-pointer Champagne in the 40-year history of The Wine Advocate? I don't know if it is the best Champagne of the past 40 years (I would never say that for any wine), but in fact, I would be the first reviewer giving a Champagne the perfect score. Is this wine really worth it? Today, I am asking myself why I have put myself through these questions instead of just drinking a glass of this Rosé Cristal, at least one! What do we know about tomorrow? Will we still be here? Will the 2008 be as good as the 2002 is right now just because the grapes were cultivated 100% biodynamically, thus with even more care? Well, here and now is the 2002, and it will most likely not get any better but will keep its high class for years. It is doubtlessly the finest Rosé Champagne I have ever had, and if I had to write down all the attributes I like to find in a perfect Rosé, it would be charm, finesse and generosity as well as freshness, intensity and purity, or simply: "Just like the Cristal Rosé 2002."
Here are the most recent and upcoming cuvées from Louis Roederer, and the list is full of highlights. For the Cristal and Cristal Rosé vintages 2009 and the just released 2008, see the Cristal report published in the Interim Mid-June Issue. Here, readers will find tasting notes for the 2002 Cristal and Cristal Rosé, both of which are rich and concentrated legends in top form, especially the Rosé, which received the highest rating of all Champagnes being tasted in 40 years of The Wine Advocate. This isn't spectacular enough? Well, then let me draw your attention to "the other" Cristal—Cristal Vinothèque. The Vinothèque collection is more than just a late-release edition of Cristal. The recently released 1995 as well as the upcoming 1996 vintages spent 14 years before disgorgement and another seven years after. Due to the fact that acidity rounds out with age, the dosage of the Cristal Vinothèque is significantly lower than the original disgorgement. The 1995 Cristal Vinothèque was the inaugural vintage for both the white and the rosé, and it will be followed by the 1996 in September 2018. The 1997 and 1999 will follow in the coming years.
If you prefer Cristal in a bigger, richer and more concentrated style, you should go for the caressing 2002 (at least in three-star Michelin restaurants, readers might still have a chance to find one), whereas freshness and elegance is perfectly represented in the 2008 and 1996 vintages.
Published: Jun 29, 2018
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
James Suckling
Score
98
Avg Price (ex-tax)
$ 458
Louis Roederer Champagne Cristal 2002
Friday, Jul 12, 2019
Color
Sparkling
Country
France
Region
Champagne
Vintage
2002
Download Shelftalker
A re-release of the original 2010 disgorgement. Super fine, super fresh and super savory aromas of chalky stones with hints of flowers, white almonds, lemon peel and grapefruit. The palate has intense, mouth-filling, lemon-curd flavor. Very powerful, very concentrated and very expressive. Smooth finish that’s full of life, leaving a bright, white cherry note. Drink in 2022.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
Vinous
98
Drinking Window
2018 - 2047
From: Champagne: The 2018 Summer Preview (Jul 2018)
As hard as it may seem to believe, the 2002 Cristal Rosé (Re-Release) is even better than the Blanc. Utterly explosive in the glass, with soaring aromatics and tremendous palate presence, the 2002 dazzles from the very first taste. With time in the glass the 2002 grows effortlessly, showing myriad shades of nuance with each successive taste. I am reminded of the vertical I did of Cristal Rosé here a few years ago. Yes, the Rosé is expensive and rare. But it also delivers the goods. And then some.
- By Antonio Galloni on March 2018
Roederer has a number of superb Champagnes in the market this year. The 2008 Cristal and Cristal Rosé are every bit as thrilling as they have been in previous tastings. The maison is also re-releasing the 2002 Cristal and Cristal Rosé. These are the same exact wines as the first releases. Lastly, the 1996 Cristal Vinothèque and 1996 Cristal Rosé Vinothèque represent the latest in the house’s evolution. The Vinothèque Champagnes are quite different from the first and second releases, as explained in the tasting notes below. When all is said and done, under the direction of Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon, Roederer is one of the most ambitious and exciting producers in Champagne, big or small.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
100/100
Mittleres Goldgelb, silberfarbene Reflexe. sehr feines Mousseux. Feine Noten von Grapefruitzesten, ein Hauch von Babyananas, weißer Pfirsich, Nuancen von roten Waldbeeren, mineralisch, finessenreiches Bukett. Am Gaumen komplex, straff, finessenreich strukturiert, Nuancen von gelbem Apfel und Steinobst, eine Textur wie feinste Seide, ungemein zart, verläuft sowohl vertikal wie horizontal, bleibt minutenlang haften, verfügt nach 22 Jahren über eine schier unfassbare Frische, ein Champagner von großer Delikatesse, im Nachhall ein Hauch von delikater Süße. (PM, 09/2024)
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
Exclusive Content
Sign in to unlock professional wine reviews from world-renowned critics
Louis Roederer is a prestigious champagne producer based in the Champagne region of France. The House of Louis Roederer is known for its commitment to quality, traditional winemaking methods and its signature cuvée, Cristal.
History of Louis Roederer
Louis Roederer was founded in 1776 by a German wine merchant named Louis Roederer. The house started as a wine shop and became involved in the production of Champagne in the early 19th century. In 1827, Louis Roederer's cousin, Adolphe Roederer, took over the business. Adolphe played a crucial role in the expansion and growth of this producer. He traveled extensively to build relationships with European courts, including the Russian Imperial Court. In 1876, Louis Roederer created the iconic Cristal Champagne. It was originally produced exclusively for the Russian Tsars and was presented in a crystal clear bottle, which is the origin of the name 'Cristal'. Louis Roederer remained a family business for many years. However, in 1932 the Rouzaud family, relatives of the Roederer family, took over the house. The Rouzaud family owns and manages Louis Roederer to this day. Like many companies in Champagne, Louis Roederer faced challenges during the World Wars, including damage to their cellars. Despite these difficulties, they persevered and continued to produce exceptional champagne. Louis Roederer has a long history of producing high quality champagnes. They are known for their traditional winemaking methods, including hand harvesting, fermentation in oak barrels and long-term aging in cellars.
Cristal
One of the most famous Champagnes produced by Louis Roederer is Cristal. Created in 1876, Cristal is a prestigious and luxurious cuvée originally produced for the Russian Tsars. It is typically a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes with Chardonnay as the dominant grape variety. They are known for their exceptional quality, elegance and aging potential. It is known for its fine, persistent bubbles, a rich and creamy texture and a harmonious balance of flavors and aromas. Cristal is highly regarded by wine critics and collectors worldwide. It consistently receives high ratings and is considered one of the best Champagnes available. Bottles of Cristal are often collected and aged for special occasions. The clear crystal bottle in which Cristal was originally presented was changed to a conventional bottle design in the early 20th century. This change was made to protect the taste and quality of the wine, as the clear glass was found to be sensitive to light exposure. Today, Cristal is usually bottled in an elegant, clear glass bottle with gold packaging.
Louis Roederer's vineyards
Louis Roederer owns and manages vineyards in the best Champagne crus, including the Grand Cru vineyards of Verzenay, Verzy and Ay, among others. These vineyards supply the grapes for their exceptional wines.
Assortment by Louis Roederer
In addition to Cristal, Louis Roederer produces a range of other champagnes, including Brut Premier, Vintage Brut, Rosé and Blanc de Blancs. These wines suit a wide range of preferences and occasions. Louis Roederer's Champagnes have received critical acclaim from wine critics and publications around the world and are considered some of the finest Champagnes produced in the region.
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