Roederer Brut Cristal Rosé 2002

The 2002 Cristal Rosé has always been suspected to become a legend one day. Now, nine years later, the onion-colored wine has arrived in the Olympus of the finest Champagnes. Clear, matured and vinous on the intense and complex yet very delicate nose, this is a lush, succulent, perfectly round and intense 2002 that equilibrates its generosity and texture with great elegance and spellbinding balance. Stunningly, this seamless, charmingly seductive and voluptuous character is combined with great purity and harmony, especially in the finish that is not just round and caressing but also fresh, piquant and stimulatingly salty. Is there anything more we could expect from a Rosé Champagne? Even if you served me the wine in a black glass, it would still be a gorgeous, beautiful wine. Yes, it's wine rather than anything else, and its bubbly vinosity makes me desperate for more. If I just could, I would marry the 2002 Cristal Rosé straightaway. The cuvée reflects a great continental vintage as well as the stupendous terroirs of Aÿ (Pinot Noir: 60%), Avize and Mesnil (Chardonnay: 40%). The bottle I tasted at Roederer in Reims in May 2018 was disgorged in 2011, so, like the 2008, after eight years on the second lees.

The sense of completeness here is stunning. This has very complex aromas of sous-bois, blood oranges and spicy, lightly toasty elements, as well as a wealth of dried roses, brown, woody spices, gunflint and pot-pourri. Expansive, playful palate with exotic pink grapefruit and a silky, soft and fleshy, supple edge. Almost airy, soft, delicate fruit. Full of happiness! Vibrant, succulent cherries to close. Holds super long. This really is in a great place. Original disgorgement in 2012.

Cristal Rosé was first made in 1974. The delicate colour comes from the carefully controlled saignée method which takes place after a cold maceration. This 2002 from magnum is dry, energetic and brightly fruited with a light tannic kiss. Summer fruits dominate the palate with rosehip, strawberry and rhubarb, giving the initial impression of sweetness. Then come the more mellow and savoury notes of cream, nougat and praline to round off the mid-palate. The crisp, succulent acidity and vinous texture are in total harmony, giving this rosé real presence and length. Very much in the Cristal mould with immaculate transparency and a controlled, delicate mousse. This has a long and glorious future, but its sheer sex appeal makes it difficult to resist.now.

Nous touchons ici la perfection, même si le vin (60% pinot noir, 40% chardonnay), dégusté en magnum, affiche encore une jeunesse insolente. Lumineux, brillant et raffiné, il déroule une bouche d’une immense race et d’une longueur admirable. Sublime.