Louis Roederer : Cristal Vinotheque Rose 1999

The finesse and elegance of Cristal Vinothèque Rosé 1999 by Louis Roederer

The property

Founded in 1776 in Reims, the Louis Roederer Champagne House has remained family-owned and independent. After more than 200 years of existence, the Louis Roederer House is still in the hands of the same family. Today led by Frédéric Rouzaud, who represents the seventh generation of the lineage, the Louis Roederer House embodies the excellence of Champagne wines around the world thanks to cuvées crafted like a work of art.

The vineyard

With nearly 241 hectares of vineyards, the Louis Roederer House draws its strength from its extraordinary vineyard, composed only of Grands and Premiers Crus in the Marne Valley, the Montagne de Reims, and the Côte des Blancs. A true mosaic of terroirs, the vineyard of the Louis Roederer House is divided into 410 plots that reflect all the diversity of the soils of the Champagne.

The wine

Cristal Vinothèque Rosé 1999 is a remarkable expression of the vintage, showcasing the mastery of Louis Roederer. The 1999 vintage was marked by a turbulent and windy season, characterized by an early start followed by a sunny and dry summer. Fortunately, the rainy weather during harvest did not adversely affect the grapes. This vintage produced powerful, concentrated, and generous wines with fresh attacks, followed by luscious notes of fruit and sweet spices.

The vintage

This exceptional vintage reflects the unique climatic conditions that favored the development of the grapes, leading to a harmonious blend of fruit and elegance. The grapes were harvested at optimal maturity, resulting in a champagne that balances richness with refreshing finesse.

Vinification and aging

The vinification process is meticulous, with no malolactic fermentation to preserve the freshness and character of the grapes. The wine is aged for a total of 16 years, with 8 years on laths and an additional 8 years resting on points before disgorgement. After disgorgement, it undergoes an additional resting period of 4 years.

Blend

Pinot Noir (54%)
Chardonnay (46%)

Characteristics and tasting advice for Cristal Vinothèque Rosé 1999 from the Louis Roederer House

Tasting

Color
The wine showcases a beautiful salmon pink color with coppery highlights, enhanced by a fine, persistent effervescence that is almost luminous due to its bubbles and golden reflections.

Nose
The bouquet is delicate and fresh, revealing sweet floral notes of hawthorn and fresh, tart red fruits such as currants. Accompanying these are toasty and powdery notes of cacao. Remarkably, the bouquet remains discreet yet incredibly fresh for a 20-year-old wine. With aeration, it becomes more profound and juicy, unveiling smoky nuances while retaining its youthful vibrancy.

Palate
On the palate, the attack is creamy and velvety. The texture envelops the mouth with a sensation reminiscent of silk, while the bubbles unfurl gently and ethereally. There is a touch of density, akin to nectar, revealing the sun-kissed maturity of the year, but the chalky freshness takes over, elongating the flavors in an impression of lightness and finesse. This characteristic reflects the essence of Cristal Rosé, where concentration meets elegance.