Louis Roederer : Cristal Vinotheque 1999

The complexity and precision of an exceptional Louis Roederer vintage champagne

The producer

Founded in 1776 in Reims, Louis Roederer is a Champagne House that has remained family-owned and independent. After more than 200 years of existence, the Louis Roederer House is still owned by the same family. Now led by Frédéric Rouzaud, who represents the seventh generation of the family's lineage, Louis Roederer boasts and embodies the excellence of Champagne around the world, through cuvées crafted like works of art.

The vineyard

With nearly 241 hectares of vines, the Louis Roederer House derives its strength from its extraordinary vineyard, made up solely of Grands and Premiers Crus in the Marne Valley, the Montagne de Reims and the Côte des Blancs. A veritable mosaic of terroirs, the Maison Louis Roederer vineyard is divided into 410 plots, reflecting the great diversity of the Champagne region's soils.

The wine

One of the most prestigious cuvees in the world, Louis Roederer's Cristal Vinothèque is unveiled after having spent 20 years in the House's cellars. Louis Roederer's Cristal Vinothèque 1999 is disgorged later which brings out the full complexity of this exceptional champagne. Only a few bottles have been preserved and are ready to showcase their perfect balance and youthful brilliance.

The vintage

A superb vintage for the Champagne region, characterised by an early start to the season followed by a hot and sunny summer, the 1999 wines truly stand out due to their power, generosity and concentration.

Vinification

Louis Roederer's 1999 Cristal Vinothèque was vinified without malolactic fermentation. 24% of the juice was vinified in wood.

Ageing

Louis Roederer's 1999 Cristal Vinothèque was aged for 8 years on laths followed by 8 years ‘sur pointe’, meaning gradually tilting the bottle neck down, before being rested for a further 4 years after disgorgement.

The blend

Cristal Vinothèque 1999 by Louis Roederer comprises a blend of Pinot Noir (57%) and Chardonnay (43%).

Cristal Vinothèque 1999 by Louis Roederer: Characteristics and tasting tips

The tasting

Colour

This exceptional champagne, revealed over 20 years after its creation, boasts a beautiful brilliant golden colour.

Nose

Subtle and delicate, the bouquet gradually reveals all its aromatic complexity with notes of citrus fruit and light notes of roasted dried fruit reminiscent of hazelnut. On the nose, the personality of the Chardonnay varietal is expressed through pastry notes reminiscent of wheat flour and the scent of pastries. The Pinot Noir variety is expressed through a beautiful aromatic concentration.

Palate

On the palate, Cristal Vinothèque 1999 reveals an enchanting character. Silky, the mouth caresses the palate, highlighting an extremely fine and perky effervescence that freshly balances the wine's powerful texture. Flavours of candied citrus, spice and vanilla structure the palate, while Cristal's signature chalky texture then appears with fresh and mineral notes. The finish lingers for a long time, leaving the palate with a delicately powdery and saline texture.