All the exceptional characteristics of the 2002 vintage have been captured perfectly in this magnificent Cristal. Generous and lush, revealing the perfect balance between concentration and finesse, freshness and vinosity, intensity and refinement. In three words: this is proud, rich and luxurious. A brilliant yellow colour with light amber highlights and a beautiful fine mousse. The nose is intense and delicate revealing a clean and well-blended mixture of flavours of honey, cocoa, lightly toasted hazelnuts and candied citrus fruit. A savoury explosion of ripe fruit reveals white chocolate, caramel and Danish pastry notes, typical of Cristal. Its silky, concentrated texture relies on its intense, powerful and vinous structure but maintains refinement. The palate builds up to attain a delicious sensation of well-blended harmony of flavours. Louis Roederer Cristal 2002 is probably the best Cristal vintage ever released.

As the largest independent family-managed Champagne producer, Louis Roederer rank amongst the region's absolute finest. Established in 1776, the House today is managed by seventh generation family member Frédéric Rouzaud alongside long-time Chef de Cave and Champagne legend Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon. They own an astounding 242 hectares of vineyards many in chalk rich Grand Cru villages covering two-thirds of their grape requirements. Roederer have become pioneers in biodynamic farming & by 2012 all 78 hectares the “Cristal Estates” are farmed using biodynamic methods. By 2021 Roederer have 115 hectares certified organic. All the grapes in Cristal & other vintage cuvee’s come from their own vineyards. The estate is made up of 410 plots which are fermented separately in one of the 450 stainless steel tanks in their Reims cellars. In 2020 Roederer replaced Brut Premier with “Collection” allowing each years non-vintage blend to be identified and “re-engineering” the non-vintage cuvee to maintain freshness in the light of global warming on the Champagne region. Today Cristal is, widely recognised as the world's most awarded prestige cuvée champagne.

The 2002 vintage shaped up magnificently over the spring, with no significant frost and near-perfect flowering. Then followed a summer marked by long, sunny periods interspersed with regular cloudy and rainy spells. The vines were in good health and the dehydration of the grape berries helped them reach new heights of ripeness. Generally considered one of the best harvests in the last twenty years.

Vineyards: 100% Grand Cru
Grape Varieties: 55% Pinot Noir, 45% Chardonnay
Ageing: 5 years on the lees
Disgorged: 2007
Dosage: 10 g/l
Drink: Now to 2035

"All the exceptional characteristics of the 2002 vintage have literally been captured in this 2002 Cristal, which is generous and lush, revealing perfect balance between concentration and finesse, freshness and vinosity, intensity and refinement."— Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon, Cellar Master