Ratings & Tasting Notes:

98 points Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

One of the finest Champagnes I have ever brought to my lips, the 1999 Cristal bursts from the glass with fresh hazelnut and apple scents. Elegant, deep, and silky-textured, this medium to full-bodied beauty is immensely concentrated, pure, packed with apple flavors, and astoundingly long in the finish. Louis Roederer does not display a disgorgement date or consumer friendly lot number on its non-vintage Brut. This is regrettable as it has consistently been one of the finer bottlings in this category. (PR)

97 points James Suckling

From the family collection, disgorged ten years after harvest, slightly lower than original dosage. A warm year, the hottest since 1959 at the time, this has high ripeness and plenty of spice, a touch reductive, gentle citrus peel and some candied tropical fruits, clear chalk, dried honey and brioche too. The palate has a compression to it, smooth and finely layered texture here, some flesh and some succulent texture, generous dried red cherry fruit flavours pressed together with layers of more savoury autolysis. Complex and textural Champagne.

Cult Wines International Notes:

Cristal is the flagship cuvée of Louis Roederer Champagne, a prestige bottling that was first created in 1876 for Tsar Alexander II of Russia. The distinctive flat-bottomed transparent bottle was specifically designed for the Tsar, who feared assassination and wanted to be able to see any potential explosives hidden inside. The bottle’s UV-protective cellophane wrapper is a modern addition to protect the wine from light.

This vintage-only Champagne is made from a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay sourced from Roederer’s best Grand Cru vineyards. The wine is aged for an average of six years in the cellar, followed by an additional eight months after disgorgement, ensuring a wine of immense complexity and finesse. Unlike some champagnes, Cristal does not undergo malolactic fermentation, which helps preserve its fresh acidity and vibrant character.

On the nose, Cristal offers a delicate and complex bouquet of citrus, white flowers, and red fruits, with nuanced notes of almond and toasted brioche. The palate is known for its remarkable balance, precision, and a silky texture that delivers a long, mineral-driven finish. It is a champagne of power and elegance, highly sought-after by collectors and connoisseurs worldwide for its purity, age-worthiness, and historical significance.

Bottle Size:

750 mL

Storage History:

Always stored on its side in a climate-controlled cellar.

Condition:

Please note: The bottle shown is the exact bottle being sold.

Outstanding condition. Excellent wine color & clarity.