Cristal Rosé Vinothèque2000

Cristal Rosé Vinothèque pushes back time, giving full expression to its bubbles and its persistence. This champagne thus takes on a new identity, honed by a prolonged ageing process, spanning two decades, sur lattes, sur pointe and then on the cork, and by late disgorgement. This exceptional champagne, replenished by time, faithfully embodies our quest for accomplishment, revealing an exceptional intensity and complexity.

The result of a bespoke ageing process, the champagne first undergoes a long period of resting on the lees of between 8 and 12 years: this preparatory phase allows the aromas of the champagne to evolve and the structure of the wine to develop complexity. After riddling, the wine is left sur pointe: this suspends the passage of time and the wine rests for 5 to 10 years.

Then comes the period of resting on the cork: once disgorged, the wine has found its ideal home for resting in the perfect conditions of the Louis Roederer cellars, dug deep into the rock, where it remains for 2 to 6 years. Honed by this period of waiting and resting, guided by the decisions of the cellar master, the wine slowly acquires a lustre. The cellar master therefore gives it a lower dosage (1 or 2 grams less) than the original Cristal creating a champagne that is fresher and more gastronomic.

The Cristal Vinothèque Rosé 2000 is a textured and concentrated wine structured by the ripe tannins of an expertly crafted, spicy and delicate Pinot Noir. The bouquet reveals intense notes of raspberry, hazelnut, stone fruit and cocoa powder, all of incredible freshness. The palate is rich, velvety smooth and at that perfect point when concentration meets a saline, chalky freshness. The finish is pure, persistent, ethereal, mouthwatering and perfectly embodies the intensity and complexity sought from extended periods of ageing.

This outstanding Champagne has now reached perfect maturity and is ready to be enjoyed. However, it sees no reason to rush and will happily continue to rest in a cool, dark cellar with its orange cellophane protecting it from light, for a few more years should you so wish.