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Cristal 2002

Louis Roederer

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Tasting Notes

Tasted from the original 2009 disgorgement, the 2002 Cristal is a broad, vinous wine, bursting with aromas of honeyed yellow orchard fruit, warm butter, brioche and fresh peaches. On the palate, it's full-bodied, textural and mouthfilling, rendering the fine-boned chalky structure and textural finesse that distinguish this quintessentially elegant style of this cuvée in a broader-shouldered, more enveloping register. The 2002 is beginning to enter its plateau of maturity and is drinking beautifully today, though it still has many years ahead of it.

Score: 96

William Kelley, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2019-2039 05 March 2020

The 2002 Cristal is now entering its first plateau of maturity, which makes it a terrific Champagne for drinking now. Hints of apricot, brioche, lemon confit, honey, hazelnut, baked apple tart and spice give the 2002 striking layers of nuance. Rich and generous, the 2002 show plenty of the natural opulence of the year and yet retains terrific freshness as well. As always, Cristal is a blend of Pinot from Ay, Verzenay, Verzy and Beaumont sur Vesle, and Chardonnay from Mesnil, Cramant and Oger. Dosage is 9 grams per liter. This is the original 2010 disgorgement. What a wine.

Score: 97

Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com Maturity: 2019-2039 01 December 2019

Roederer’s 2002 Cristal is still in its infant, fresh stage. Subtle notes of pears, flowers, spices, mint, minerals and oak are woven into a cashmere-like frame of extraordinary grace and elegance. This beautifully-sculpted Champagne possesses notable clarity but with the additional depth of fruit that is characteristic of this vintage. It is a gorgeous, seductive Cristal of the highest level. In 2002, Cristal is 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay with 10 grams of dosage. 20% of the wine was fermented in oak.

Score: 96

Antonio Galloni, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2010-2032 01 December 2008

60% pinot noir and 40% chardonnay, all 45 estate plots are used in this vintage. This was picked earlier than most others, but it is a very ripe and rich vintage with citrus and light, white chocolate notes, with some honey and nougat, as well as hints of smokiness. A pithy grapefruit-flavored palate, with some smooth toffee and nectarine fruits. Extremely fleshy, and chalky, too. The fruits are caramelised in terms of texture. Glossy and lustrous at the edge. A superb wine.

Score: 98

Nick Stock, JamesSuckling.com 04 October 2017

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.

Score: 97

James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com 01 July 2011

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.

Score: 92

Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator Maturity: 2009-2030 01 January 2009

Light, bright gold with a steady bead. Orange, ripe pear, red berries and white flowers on the nose, with complementary notes of lemon, honey, sweet butter and smoky minerals. Ripe citrus and orchard fruit flavors are braced by gentle minerality, picking up subtle baking spice and buttered toast notes with air. Surprisingly generous at this stage, with smoky mineral and floral qualities on the finish. This is more open-knit than the comparatively elegant 2000 and appears ready to drink.

Score: 91

Josh Raynolds, International Wine Cellar 01 November 2008