Louis Roederer : Cristal 2002

A suave customer, with hints of citrus, berry and coffee. Harmonious and refined, with freshness and a bright structure. The finish shows a lot of potential, with a mouthwatering aftertaste. Better than previously reviewed. Drink now through 2030.

Super fine texture to this wine. It is very dense and powerful with loads of dried fruits, white pepper and papaya. It’s full and long. There is so much power and energy to this. The finish shows ginger, apple pie and bread dough, which was on the nose as well. This is one to age for five or six more years to show its true greatness.

Remarkable richness without imbalance, a splendid, high-density wine elevated by a perfectly integrated mousse. An immense Champagne, already mythical, that absolutely must be followed over twenty years.

Cristal 2002 is a magnificent, silky Champagne with impressive length, delicate, a touch smoother and more velvety than the 2004, also a touch less structured, sublime.

This is an exceptional wine, as is the vintage. The fruits—grapefruit, crisp red apple—balance with a fine yeasty character. There is a great depth of flavor, the fruits going in a pure line of freshness. The one problem is that it is much too young, the result of the demand from the market for the next vintage. Age this wine for at least four years.