Vintage 2009 Style A continental, sunny year with a real winter that was very cold and dry followed by a glorious sun- f i l led summer and almost no rain in August and September. All this meant traditional vine growth, excellent health and remarkable grape ripeness for the production of dense, fruity and delicious wines. 2009 is an obvious addition to the select group of brilliant and accomplished Champagne vintages with a light, sunny character. Elaboration 70% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay, 18% of the wine vinified in oak casks, no malolactic fermentation. The wine is aged for 4 years in the cellars and left for a minimum of 6 months after disgorging to attain the perfect maturity. The dosage is 9 g/l. Tasting Champagne gold colour with slightly copper tints. Energetic and dazzling effervescence. A ravishing bouquet: complex, generous and deep, dominated by red fruits (raspberry) and orchard fruits (nectarines, golden plums), a certain smokiness (hazelnuts and toasted almonds) and a hint of sun-warmed pebbles. The immediate impression is velvety, creamy and elegant on the palate with a mineral freshness and vertical structure very typical of Pinots noirs from Verzenay. A deep, robust and complex juice where the fruit’s sun-drenched richness is counterbalanced by the salty freshness of the terroir. The ageing potential for this fabulous year 2009 is very high.
The "liqueur de dosage" is prepared with the greatest of care from a selected blend of 8 to 10 of the very best crus from the Louis Roederer vineyard and then left to age in oak 4 to 10 years.
Wine Spectator - Alison Napjus - September 19, 2016 95 Points "White peach and acacia blossom aromas accent the flavors of poached apple, gingersnap biscuit, pastry cream and spun honey in this harmonious Champagne. The satiny mousse caresses the palate, while firm, focused acidity drives the lasting finish Our House’s most famous wine was created in 1876 to satisfy the demanding tastes of Tsar Alexander II. The emperor asked Louis Roederer to reserve the House’s best cuvée for him every year. He was particularly fond of the House’s wine. To distinguish this cuvée, 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 uniquely during the best 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 dégorgement. 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 conserved for over twenty years without losing its freshness and character. 