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Ratings & Reviews
Blanc de Blancs
Blanc de Blancs 2005
Wine Enthusiast - Roger Voss - December 01, 2011
92 Points "The initial attack is rounded with a delicious pear flavor... Then tight mineral acidity adds its presence, producing a wine that is also very fresh, apple crisp, with a potential for aging and a long lingering aftertaste."
The Wine Advocate - Antonio Galloni - November 30, 2011
89 Points "The 2005 Brut Blanc de Blancs flows across the palate with succulent white peaches, graphite, smoke and white flowers. This is a fairly open, seductive vintage for the Blanc de Blancs. The wine shows lovely up-front juiciness and fleshiness in an overt style that is probably best enjoyed over the next few years."
Blanc de Blancs 2004
Wine & Spirits - Joshua Greene - December 2011
95 Points "Compressed in the mode of a great young vintage Champagne, this is a glistening brick of minerality. The floral intensity brings jasmine and the meadow flower scent of fresh cream to mind. The youthful tension makes it almost as potent as a ripe Epoisse."
Blanc de Blancs 2004 Archived REVIEWS
The Wine Advocate - Antonio Galloni - December 23, 2010
91 Points "The 2004 Brut Blanc de Blancs offers up gorgeous varietal fruit in a fairly rich style for a 2004 Blanc de Blancs. Textural finesse, brilliance and a total sense of harmony are the hallmarks of this suave, finessed Champagne. The small bubbles caress the palate from start to finish."
Wine Spectator - Alison Napjus - December 15, 2010
90 Points "A firm Champagne, displaying a floral quality to the biscuit, pear and light spice notes. This shows fine balance and good drive to the acidity, straight through to the delicate finish."
Wine & Spirits - December 01, 2010
95 Points "This is pure, essential Champagne, limestone rock captured in liquid form. Its pale, fragrant citrus flavors are sleek and generous, etched into a stony structure that supports them completely without any overt acidity or tannin. All that’s perceptible is the wine. Age this to let the flavor detail develop, or enjoy it now for the beauty of its youth."
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar - Josh Raynolds - November 2010
92 Points "Juicy citrus flavors show a silky quality, with spice and floral notes adding complexity. Gains flesh and sweetness with air and finishes with excellent clarity, cut and chalky persistence. This is balanced to age."
Blanc de Blancs 2003 Archived REVIEWS
Wine Spectator - Bruce Sanderson - December 15, 2009
92 points "Very fresh, exuding aromas of graphite and pencil shavings followed by ripe peach, grapefruit and mineral notes. Vinous in character, with a vibrant structure and a long finish. A terrific 2003."
Wine & Spirits - Joshua Greene - December 2009
91 points "This has the ripeness and broad richness of the 2003 vintage, while the wine remains savory and dry. The scents are floral, light and lifted, the flavors more substantial, creamy and firm."
The Wine Advocate - Antonio Galloni - December 2009
91 points "The 2003 Brut Blanc de Blancs is another terrific Champagne from Roederer. Here the heat of the torrid vintage is beautifully balanced by the wine’s minerality. A soft finish rounds out this caressing, creamy Champagne. ...The wine’s overall balance is impeccable."
Blanc de Blancs 2002 Archived REVIEWS
Wine Enthusiast - Roger Voss - December 01, 2008
95 points, Cellar Se "The purity of this wine is impressive. It has a straight line of mineral, flint and grapefruit running through it. Around this, there are layers of fresh apples, lime zest and a tight, taunt structure. Give it 4-5 years."
Gourmet - James Rodewald - December 2008
"The Louis Roederer Champagne house seems to be on a roll. Every one of their offerings is fantastic this year: ...the crisp Blanc de Blancs 2002..."
The Wine Advocate - Antonio Galloni - December 2008
90 points "The 2002 Brut Blanc de Blancs emerges from the glass with attractive notes of smokiness, ripe pears, flowers and spices. The wine shows excellent depth in a rich, generous style, with suggestions of minerality, toastiness and chalk that round out the finish."
Blanc de Blancs 2000 Archived REVIEWS
Saveur.com - January 2008
"Beautifully structured, with a refined character; on a par with Cristal, Roederer's luxury cuvee, but sold at less than a third the price."
Wine Spectator - Bruce Sanderson - December 31, 2007
90 points "A lovely blanc de blancs. Finely textured, showing ginger, honey and light bread dough notes. This is balanced and tastes dry, with a crisp, refreshing finish. Drink now through 2018."
Wine Enthusiast - Roger Voss - December 01, 2007
91 points, Cellar Se "A finely structured, delicate, elegant wine, this has a pure white fruit and mineral character that lies easily on the palate. The aftertaste is soft but there is still a steely edge to the wine, which promises long aging. Give it at least 5 years."
Wine News - Wine News Staff - December 2007
93 points "Buttery lemon scents have a slight yeastiness. Rich apple, apricot and peach flavors with an edge of fresh acidity. Excellent length and weight leaving lasting peach, toasted almond and vanilla impressions."
Wine & Spirits - Joshua Greene - December 2007
94 points "The ripeness chardonnay achieved in 2000 at Roederer's vinyards takes this wine's aromas toward fresh pineapple, kumquat and the more traditional lemon-citrus scent of Champagne. It's tightly built in elegant layers of fruit and chalk. Complexity develops with air, as does the luscious texture of the wine. Dynamic and delicious, this will only gain from several years of age."
Wine News - Lyn Farmer - December 2007
92 points "Medium yellow color with fine bubbles and notable brillance. The first aromas showcase soft citrus and red apple; in the mouth the benefit of the extra time on the lees clearly shows in the fine texture and depth of flavor. Apple, candied citrus peel and a hint of yeastiness make for a winning combination that stretches into a long finish."
Wine Enthusiast - R.V. - November 01, 2006
90 points “A ripe, soft wine, one that’s creamy on the palate. There is just a touch of caramel, but the main flavors are of crystallized lemons, pears and honey. This is a delicious, fresh and a great aperitif wine.”
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar - J.R. - November 2006
92 Points “Pale gold. Suave, vibrant, floral nose combines spicy quince, lemon and white peach and a salty mineral overlay. Brisk, nicely focused and pure, with finely etched flavors of peach, yellow plum and soft citrus fruits complicated by floral honey, mint and macadamia nut. Finishes clean, brisk and sharply delineated, with a subtle note of sweet butter and excellent length.”
Blanc de Blancs 1999 Archived REVIEWS
Wine Spectator - B.S. - December 15, 2006
89 Points "Soft and caressing, with apple and lemon flavors riding the elegant frame. Firms up on the finish. Drink now."
Wine & Spirits - December 2006
91 Points "Persistent, fine bubbles lift scents of flowers and fresh cream while the flavor is chalk-white. Sleek and sophisticated, this has a subtle yeastiness that underlines the flavors with a scent of wheat fields at harvest, or a breath of Corton Charlemagne. A firm, young '99, this should broaden and grow more complex with several years of age."
Wine Enthusiast - R.V. - November 01, 2006
93 points “Better known for its blends dominated by Pinot Noir, Roederer is following the fashion for blanc de blancs in this very dry, but ripely toasty, full-bodied chardonnay. It has superrich fruit, but still keeps a sense of proportion its acidity and green plum flavors.”
Blanc de Blancs 1998 Archived REVIEWS
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - December 2006
92 Points "The 1998 Blanc de Blancs is medium to full-bodied, creamy-textured, broad, and deep. It reveals a toasted nut-dominated personality with vibrant and tangy apples as well as yeast notes that are discernable in its long finish."
Wine Enthusiast - R.V. - December 31, 2005
90 Points "Full-bodied and ripe, with balancing mineral notes as well as melon, apple and crushed stones. Fresh and snappy on the tongue, with lots of white-fruit flavors, especially apple and pear. Then it finishes with likeable toast and smoke notes. Very approachable but structured."
Wine & Spirits - December 2005
92 Points "Sweet scents of Queen Anne cherries fill this buxom, supple wine. There's chalkiness underneath that keeps it balanced and firm. The dosage seems to fatten it up, though the wine doesn't taste sweet. It's fresh and delicious with crab."
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar - StephenTanzer - November 2005
91 Points "Light gold. Bright, tangy citrus aromas, with touches of jasmine, acacia, marzipan and oyster shell. Fat and creamy in the mouth, showing precise pear and apple flavors along with more exotic hints of mango and fresh pineapple. This has very good concentration and focus, finishing on a lively note of lemon-lime, with the slightest hints of smoke and truffle."
Blanc de Blancs 1997 Archived REVIEWS
International Wine Cellar - Stephen Tanzer - December 2003
90 Points "Laid-back aromas of apple and baking spices, with a whiff of smoke. Fat, dense and spicy on entry, then concentrated, rich and full in the middle palate, with apple and mineral flavors. A big wine with very good penetration for the vintage."
Brut Premier
Brut Premier Non Vintage
International Wine Cellar - Josh Raynolds - December 21, 2011
90 Points "Light yellow. Bright, high-pitched aromas of orange zest, ginger, white flowers and white pepper. Racy and focused, with sappy citrus and orchard fruit flavors picking up smokiness and a touch of peach pit with air. Shows good energy on the refreshingly brisk, linear, long finish."
Wine Enthusiast - Roger Voss - December 01, 2011
91 Points "A beautifully integrated wine that shows richness, even a touch of toasty age to go with apple and intense acidity. The acidity shows so well against the rich backdrop of ripe fruits and a final edgy texture."
Wine & Spirits - Joshua Greene - December 2011
90 Points Best Buy "There's tension in this wine between the lime of white earth and lime citrus. The flavors are pale, chalky, hinting at white mushrooms, freshly dug potatoes and spice. Reserve wines lend this depth, while the wine's freshness keeps it mouthwatering. For aperitifs, or a plate of Comté."
The Wine Advocate - Antonio Galloni - November 30, 2011
92 Points "The NV Brut Premier is a gorgeous wine that stands head and shoulders above the vast majority of wines in its price range. Apparently, it is quite possible to make great Champagne that doesn’t cost a small fortune. Ripe pears, smoke, spices, dried flowers and herbs are some of the many nuances that emerge from the glass. The Brut Premier shows lovely mid-palate depth and fabulous overall balance. Chef de Caves Jean-Baptiste Lecaillon has done it again. This is a fabulous Brut Premier."
Wine Spectator - Alison Napjus - November 15, 2011
92 Points "A pretty note of apple blossom runs through this elegant Champagne, which is bright and juicy, offering flavors of green and yellow apple, tangerine and ground ginger, with a hint of graham cracker. Shows lovely texture, with a mouthwatering finish..."
Brut Premier Non Vintage Archived REVIEWS
The Wine Advocate - Antonio Galloni - December 23, 2010
90 Points "The NV Brut Premier is a soft, creamy wine that captures the essence of the house style in its refined mousse, precise aromas and flavors and compelling overall balance. ...Year after year, this is one of Champagne’s most reliably outstanding entry-level wines."
Miami Herald - Fred Tasker - December 23, 2010
Highly Recommended "Lively pinpoint bubbles; crisp and lively; creamy; intense cherry and raspberry flavors"
Wine & Spirits - December 01, 2010
90 Points "The firm, toasty richness of reserve wines lends depth and structure to this nonvintage brut. The lemon-curd fruitiness is round, edged by mineral and wood tones. For aperitifs."
erobertparker.com - Antonio Galloni - July 15, 2010
90-92 Points 2009 Blend: "This shows lovely balance in a rich, round style I find highly appealing. The Brut Premier looks very promising at this stage."
New York Times - Eric Asimov - December 23, 2009
3 stars "It is a perennial favorite of mine...It was ripe and rich, yet showed the balance and elegance I’ve come to expect in Roederer Champagnes. ...Ripe and rich, yet balanced, with lingering flavors of lemon, flowers and chalk."
Wine & Spirits - Joshua Greene - December 2009
90 points "Reserve wines add rich, toasty complexity to this blend. The fruit flavors have a red cast, the structure transforming the juiciness of the wine into a mouthwatering, soft line."
The Wine Advocate - Antonio Galloni - December 2009
89 points "The NV Brut Premier is a gorgeous Champagne at this level. Fresh, perfumed, zesty fruit emerges from this accessible, medium-bodied Champagne. The Brut Premier reveals an irresistible, immediate personality, with terrific balance. It is without question one of the finest NV Champagnes readers are likely to come across as well as one of the best relative values in the region."
Wine Spectator - Bruce Sanderson - November 30, 2009
91 points, #95 of To "Light and lively, featuring apple, toast, ginger and light vanilla flavors. Balanced and on the dry side, with a creamy texture and a lingering butter pastry aftertaste."
Food & Wine - Ray Isle - October 2009
An Old World "Roederer's basic brut Champagne is luscious, with aromas of peaches and fresh-baked brioche."
Wine Enthusiast - Roger Voss - July 01, 2009
91 points "Although this tastes younger than some recent bottlings of this great non-vintage, it is still a fine wine. Its apple flavors meld effortlessly with citrus, grapefruit zest, and just a touch of toast to show the depth of flavor that will emerge after a few more months in bottle."
San Jose Mercury News - Laurie Daniel - December 23, 2008
Recommended "The non-vintage Louis Roederer Brut Premier ($47) is more delicate, with citrus and mineral nuances."
Gourmet - James Rodewald - December 2008
"The Louis Roederer Champagne house seems to be on a roll. Every one of their offerings is fantastic this year: ...the nonvintage Brut Premier."
Wine & Spirits - Joshua Greene - December 2008
90 points "A clean and supple blend of red fruit with paler tones of pear and cherimoya, this has a soft middle balanaced by the tension of its acidity. It continues to open with air, round, gentle and energized. An elegant aperitif."
The Wine Advocate - Antonio Galloni - December 2008
89 points "The NV Brut Premier is a pretty, perfumed offering redolent of pears, greens apples and flowers. This medium-bodied, refined NV Champagne offers excellent length and a crisp, refreshing finish with notes of sweetness that linger on the close."
Decanter - January 2008
16.75 / 20 "Bright, clean with finesse. Very elegant, classy, beautifully balanced wine. Acidity and attack very impressive. Drink now."
Wine Enthusiast - Roger Voss - December 01, 2007
92 Points "This Roederer nonvintage seems to be getting drier, bringing out more of the green fruits and less creamy character. It works well here because the wine has some bottle age, giving a beautifully balanced wine that has great class and elegance."
Wine News - Wine News Staff - December 2007
90 points "A bouquet of fresh baguette and toasted barrel with a hint of chalkiness. Very citrusy on the palate with lemon and lime flavors laced with youthful acidity. Zesty, dry finish has a steely edge."
International Wine Cellar - Josh Raynolds - November 2007
88 points "Light gold with a fine bead. Pungent, herb-accented citrus and pear aromas are complemented by zesty spices and minerals. Round and toasty, offering deep pear and apple flavors, a pliant texture and a lush but incisive finish, with echoes of toast and minerals."
Wall Street Journal - Dorothy J. Gaiter and John Brecher - July 21, 2007
Champagne "A" List: "Nice yeasty nose. Quite crisp, with great citrus vitality. Ripe grapes with real fruit tastes, a spiky lemon character and a long, lemon-lime, very dry finish."
Critics Challenge International Wine Competition - 2007
Critics Platinum Distinguished as a wine that "delivers a profound dimension either for overall quality, value, or both"
Wine & Spirits - December 2006
90 Points "A robust Brut, Roederer blends in 10 to 20 percent of reserve wines to give this a rich balance of freshness and maturity. The broad red fruit flavors have the rose cast of a Dungeness crab shell, ready for crab season this winter."
Wine Enthusiast - December 31, 2005
92 Points "A classic nonvintage Champagne, Brut Premier is also a yardstick by which others are measured. In the case of this bottle, that yardstick is working well: the palate is rich and creamy, there is a maturity along with great fruit and elegance. Best as an aperitif wine, this could also go with light foods."
Wine News - December 2005
91 Points "Minerally, flinty scents of apple, lemon, mixed grains and almond are focused and fresh. Bright, youthful flavors of lemon peel, Granny Smith apple and chalk. Dry, toasty finish."
Decanter - August 2005
4 Stars "Unusually, the 2001-based cuvee has 20% reserve wine from the 2000, as well as 10% older reserve wine. Elegance, finesse and complexity are the Roederer hallmarks and it will age very well over a number of years."
Brut Rosé
Brut Rosé 2006
Wine Spectator - Alison Napjus - December 31, 2011
94 Points "Very harmonious, with the finely detailed texture and delicate acidity providing a crystalline frame for notes of dried cherry, wild strawberry, light biscuit, lemon zest and spice. This is all about subtlety and grace."
Wine Enthusiast - Roger Voss - December 01, 2011
94 Points "This is an intense rosé, pushing forward the pink fruit flavors, the rich texture and red berry fruits. Dry, still youthful, it has considerable acidity and a complex and concentrated mélange of flavors."
Wine & Spirits - Joshua Greene - December 2011
92 Points "The pale rose color parallels this wine's pinot noir undertone of roses and sweet raspberries. It's brisk and earthy, with friction between the youthful acidity and the fullness of its flavor. A sophisticated rosé..."
The Wine Advocate - Antonio Galloni - November 30, 2011
93 Points "The 2006 Brut Rose is flat-out delicious. It boasts gorgeous inner perfume, striking fruit and exceptional overall balance. This is a hugely delicious wine that at once shows the delicate and more powerful sides of Rose Champagne, if that makes sense. The wine can be enjoyed as an aperitif, but it also has more than enough richness to stand up to a range of foods. I loved it."
The Tasting Panel - Wilfred Wong - November 2011
94 Points "Faint straw, salmon color; fresh, vibrant, red fruit, mineral aromas; ebullient on the palate; dry, fine acidity, well balanced; delicious red fruit flavors, tight and young in the finish."
International Wine Cellar - Josh Raynolds - November 2011
91+ Points 91(+?) Points - "Pale orange color. Aromas of red currant, orange zest and anise, with high-pitched spice and floral notes adding complexity. Taut and mineral-driven, with bright red fruit flavors and notes of bitter orange, anise and white pepper. Juicy acidity provides energy and lift to the long, spicy finish."
Brut Rosé 2005 Archived REVIEWS
The Wine Advocate - Antonio Galloni - December 23, 2010
93 Points "The 2005 Brut Rose is a gorgeous wine blessed with compelling inner perfume, layers of subtle yet expressive fruit and phenomenal balance. Clean, chalky notes frame a precise, crystalline finish. This mid-weight Champagne can be enjoyed on its own or with food."
Wine & Spirits - December 01, 2010
93 Points "A lovely, generous rosé... It shows the kind of pure red fruit clarity that is rare in the vintage, along with complex hints of mushroom. Tangy acidity contrasts the wine’s full flavor, bringing it to a dry finish."
Brut Rosé 2004 Archived REVIEWS
Wine & Spirits - December 01, 2010
90 Points "This pale pink rosé has scents of linden and a meaty, curry-like spice. Its earthy, stony flavor has heft and weight, cut by acidity with the sharpness of a shiso leaf."
Wine & Spirits - Peter Liem - November 2010
95 Points "Roederer’s Brut Rosé, a maceration of unusually ripe, low-yielding pinot noir from Cumières blended with about 30 percent chardonnay, is consistently an exceptional rosé Champagne, perhaps the finest value in the house’s portfolio."
Wine & Spirits - Joshua Greene - December 2009
95 points "Intricate scents of herbs, roses and citrus blossoms start of delicate and build into the graceful flow of the wine, creating a beautiful presence on the palate. ...Delicious as a young wine, this will likely be at its best ten to 12 years from the vintage."
Brut Rosé 2003 Archived REVIEWS
Wine Enthusiast - Roger Voss - December 01, 2008
92 points "A pure, fresh line runs through this delicate rosé. It shows more white fruits than red, just hinting at red currants, but more of fresh white berries. There is just some hint of sweetness, more from the fruit of 2003 than from any extra dosage."
Gourmet - James Rodewald - December 2008
"The Louis Roederer Champagne house seems to be on a roll. Every one of their offerings is fantastic this year: ...Brut Rosé 2003..."
The Wine Advocate - Antonio Galloni - December 2008
90 points "The color is a light tone of salmon. Layers of sweet perfumed fruit flow onto the palate effortlessly as this sexy, feminine wine opens up in the glass. This is a fairly accessible style of rose, but it has the signature Roederer finesse in spades."
Brut Rosé 2002 Archived REVIEWS
Washington Post - Karen Page & Andrew Dornenburg - February 13, 2008
"The 2002 Louis Roederer Vintage Rosé Champagne Brut...is drier and more delicate than Karen's pick, its California cousin. It is an elegant sparkler with an abundance of fine bubbles and a rich, creamy finish that underscored the salmon's silkiness."
Brut Rosé 2000 Archived REVIEWS
Food & Wine: Wine Guide 2008 - Jamal A. Rayyis - 2008
3 stars (Excellent) "Pale pink hue with a terrific cornucopia of flavors: orange, peach and bitter almond are layered with smoke and stone."
Wine Enthusiast - Roger Voss - December 01, 2007
93 points "A wine that manages to straddle the twin peaks of freshness and maturity with ease. There are plenty of crisp pink and white fruits, but also a layer of mature acidity that offers a more complex series of secondary flavors, spice, toast and some tannins."
Wine & Spirits - Joshua Greene - December 2007
91 points "The pale color shows this to be a tailored, but toned-down rose, a floral pinot noir with hints of wild strawberries tightly restrained by its structure. At first, the wine shows its underpinnings of oak. With air, the tang of limestone emerges along with fresh tangerine and lemon notes. Built for the cellar."
The Washington Times - Paul Lukacs - February 07, 2007
A Loving Toast to Rose Champagnes: "Salmon-colored, with aromas and flavors resembling raspberries, and a slightly nutty undertone, this would be an excellent partner for many seafood dishes."
The Wall Street Journal - Dorothy J. Gaiter and John Brecher - February 02, 2007
Very Good / Deliciou "Best of tasting. Elegant and romantic, focused and pure, with beautifully integrated, toasty tastes and a fetching bit of creaminess on the finish."
Wine & Spirits - December 2006
91 Points "Tight, floral scents of fraise de bois introduce this ripe vintage, its racy spice and firm structure keeping the sweetness in check and giving the wine dimension. The mouth-watering balance would make this delicious with thinly sliced Wagyu beef."
Wine Enthusiast - R.V. - November 01, 2006
89 points “High acidity shows both that is a young wine, and that 2000 is not a particularly ripe vintage. There is some attractive tannic structure here, but this will always be relatively austere wine.”
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar - J.R. - November 2006
91 Points “Light gold. High-pitched white peach, jasmine and mineral aromas with a white pepper accent. Quite vibrant and taut, with tangy citrus and peach pit flavors joined by an exotic hint of saffron. Finishes with excellent focus and length and a light touch.”
Brut Rosé 1999 Archived REVIEWS
Wine Enthusiast - R.V. - November 01, 2006
92 points, Editors' “Beautiful pale onion skin color, with light aroma of strawberries. These simple initial attributes mask a much more complex wine. The fruit flavors are blended in with toast, with some wood and fresh, lifting acidity. A serious rose.”
Decanter - Steven Spurrier - April 2006
Best Sparkling Wine "A rosé de saigneé, this is a blend of 70% Pinot Noir from Ay and Cumiéres and 30% Chardonnay from Avize. Following Cristal 1983 from magnums and served with filet de boeuf aux truffes chez Roederer in Reims, it was hard to imagine a more perfect Champagne Rosé."
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - January 2006
92 Points "The pale peach-colored 1999 rosé offers delicate aromas of yeasty strawberries as well as a medium to full-bodied character that displays peach, pepper, and red currant flavors. Medium to full-bodied and well-focused, this is a rich, flavorful Rose that will work wonderfully with meals."
Wine News - December 2005
94 Points "Yeasty aromas of red berry, sweet brioche and biscuit have an oxidized nuance. Vibrant flavors of lemon, apple, sliced orange, brioche and flint. Lively layered close loaded with creamy fruit."
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar - StephenTanzer - November 2005
91 Points "Pale copper-pink. Fresh aromas of rose, floral honey, peach and nectarine, with subtle mineral and dusty talc notes. Rich and smooth, with good underlying structure. The dense, juicy peach flavor is complemented by an exotic cinnamon note and carries through the long, velvety finish."
Brut Rosé 1998 Archived REVIEWS
San Francisco Chronicle - February 10, 2005
Outstanding "Elegant mousse. Shy nose of strawberry, clove, brioche, hazelnut and chalk; pink grapefruit, apple, caramel and white pepper flavors; focused acidity and forever finish."
Brut Vintage
Brut Vintage 2005
Wine Enthusiast - Roger Voss - December 01, 2011
95 Points #29 Top 100 Cellar Selections -- "A superbly rich and creamy wine, powered by ripe Pinot Noir, with elegance and élan. The wine is concentrated, powerful, packed with intense white fruit flavors and citrus. Always at the back is the richness. For aging."
The Wine Advocate - Antonio Galloni - November 30, 2011
91 Points "The 2005 Brut Vintage blossoms on the palate with layers of deep, expressive fruit. The weight of the Pinot comes through loud and clear in this rich, textured Champagne. Ripe red berries, pears, hazelnuts and spices are some of the nuances that are layered into the rich, textured finish. This is another fabulous showing from Roederer."
Brut Vintage 2004
Wine & Spirits - Joshua Greene - December 2011
95 Points "An open jazz riff on white limestone, this is so dry, austere and sumptuous that it defines umami. Cool, rich, mineral, mouthwatering. Pretty smart vintage Champagne: It's powerful in its flavor depth, though not as wildly powerful as Cristal."
Brut Vintage 2004 Archived REVIEWS
Wine & Spirits - Peter Liem - November 2010
"The 2004 is a classic example of this cuvée, with a racy structure and vividly expressive fruit character."
Wine & Spirits - Joshua Greene - December 2009
92 points "The bold fruit flavors make this a wine of primary colors for now, from peach to kiwi, grapefruit and strawberry. The fruit is fragrant and lush while the wine's acidity keeps it mouthwatering and completely dry. A zesty Champagne that's built to age..."
Brut Vintage 2003 Archived REVIEWS
Wine & Spirits - December 01, 2010
93 Points "The quality of Roederer’s viticulture shows in the freshness of this 2003, capturing the generosity of the vintage without superripeness. It’s lively and firm, soft to the touch, with a flash of acidity that lengthens its red fruit flavors and lends it a warm glow. Open a bottle for the turkey this Thanksgiving."
Wine Enthusiast - Roger Voss - December 01, 2008
93 points "What a creamy Champagne, its mousse bursting around the mouth. Impressively, all this creaminess is well balanced by full, dry fruits, flavors of pear and fresh bread and finished with crisp apples. This is not a wine for aging, but it is ready to go with many meals now."
Gourmet - James Rodewald - December 2008
"The Louis Roederer Champagne house seems to be on a roll. Every one of their offerings is fantastic this year:...the gorgeous Brut Vintage 2003..."
The Wine Advocate - Antonio Galloni - December 2008
91 points "The 2003 Brut offers tons of harmony in a generous, inviting style. The ripe pear fruit is particularly succulent, but the wine also possesses more than enough minerality to provide balance. This medium-bodied wine closes with a long, clean finish that invites a second taste. It is a very strong 2003."
Brut Vintage 2000 Archived REVIEWS
Wine Spectator - Bruce Sanderson - December 31, 2007
89 points "Round and lacy in texture, this citrus-tinged Champagne has vibrant acidity. Peach and leather notes add interest, and this finishes clean and crisp. Drink now through 2012."
Wine Enthusiast - Roger Voss - December 01, 2007
94 points, Cellar Se "While 2000 was not a great vintage, Roederer manages to make a fine wine out of it: dry but ripe, crisp but also full-bodied, a pure line of green fruits open with a burst in the mouth. To finish, there are hints of things to come; age 5 years and more."
Wine News - Wine News Staff - December 2007
96 points "Sweet nose of caramel, light yeast and apple. Very creamy entry with meld of malty beer flavors and a nice integration of lemon-lime acidity. Focused with a ribbon and butter that linger throughout the spicy close."
Brut Vintage 1999 Archived REVIEWS
Wine & Spirits - December 2006
90 Points "This is full, rich, smoky and sweet, a stylish Champagne that's still incipient in flavor development. Its firm, juicy fruit and acidiity lasts, with a lot of complexity waiting to happen."
Wine Spectator - November 30, 2006
90 points "Citrus, graphite and red berry aromas and flavors highlight this well-structured Champagne, with a firm, chalklike texture that leaves a tingly sensation on the finish. Tastes just a tad off-dry. Drink now through 2010." - B.S.
StephenTanzer's International Wine Cellar - J.R. - November 2006
91 Points “Light gold. Ripe aromas of yellow plum, pear, apple, toffeed nuts and exotic orange peel. Round and juicy, with gentle acids framing the ripe pear, quince and apple flavors. A subtle note of sweet butter comes up with air, adding depth and an impression of lushness. Finishes with deep, persistent flavors of buttery orchard fruits.”
Brut Vintage 1997 Archived REVIEWS
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - December 2006
92 Points "Aromatically demure, the rich, full-bodied 1997 Brut is densely packed with ripe pears and apples as well as toast. This is an exceptionally vinous Champagne that could easily replace a white Burgundy in food pairings."
Wine News - December 2005
91 Points "A whiff of Sherry leads to complex scents of apple cider, baking spice, bread and white flowers. Mouthwatering flavors of apple, white peach, butter and red fruit. Long finish framed by grapefruit and straw."
Wine & Spirits - December 2005
93 Points "Broad and blond as a Valkyrie, this wine is filled with flavor detail, from raspberry essence to pear, floral scents and minerals. The length of flavor builds, a combination of richness and brightness to match roast sweetbreads."
Wine Enthusiast - R.V. - December 2004
95 Points "If you think Champagne is not just bubbles, but is also wine, then this vintage is for you. It is rounded, rich, powerful, with a fine sense of the red fruits of Pinot Noir. To add further flavors, there are almonds, creaminess and warmth. There is a touch of austere minerality from the low dosage and the lack of malolactic which means it will age well over 10 years of more."
Spirit Journal - F. Paul Pacult - December 2003
Highly Recommended "Another Biscuity vintage Brut beauty from the outstanding 1996 Champagne vintage. Sure you can drink it now, but 2 to 3 years in cellar will do nothing but make it more buttery and creamy."
International Wine Cellar - Steve Tanzer - December 2003
90+ Points "Complex nose hints at apple, clove, earth, curry powder, oyster shell and creamed corn. Full, strong and quite dry, with a subtle leesy aspect and hints of toast and hazelnut. This really expands in flavor toward the back, showing more density and concentration, and really sticking to the palate, on the finish."
Brut Vintage 1996 Archived REVIEWS
Carte Blanche
Carte Blanche Non Vintage
International Wine Cellar - Josh Raynolds - December 21, 2011
89 Points "Light yellow-gold. Poached pear, nectarine and honey on the fragrant nose. Juicy and gently sweet, with good clarity and punch to its ripe orchard fruit and melon flavors. Comes across as drier than most Champagnes of this genre, and finishes with firm grip and lingering spiciness."
The Wine Advocate - Antonio Galloni - November 30, 2011
90 Points "The NV Extra-Dry Carte Blanche is based on the Brut Premier, but receives a higher dosage of 16 grams per liter. Even though the Carte Blanche naturally shows a bit more sweetness than the Brut Premier it also maintains considerable focus and energy. Here the expression of fruit tends towards brighter, more floral white fruits, green apples/pears. The wine’s balance and length are first rate."
Carte Blanche Non Vintage Archived REVIEWS
The Wine Advocate - Antonio Galloni - December 23, 2010
89 Points "The NV Extra-Dry Carte Blanche is another beautiful wine from Roederer. ... A higher dosage of 17 grams per liter (vis-a-vis the 8-10 that is the norm here) gives the wine an extra measure of volume and richness that seems particularly well suited to spicier foods."
RealSimple.com - Sara Schneider - December 29, 2009
Recommended "For a Black Tie Affair: Louis Roederer Carte Blanche Extra-Dry Champagne NV is an elegant wine. On top of Champagne’s signature toasty brioche notes, you’ll find beautiful florals, herbs, and citrus blossoms. Pairs perfectly with caviar or sushi."
Wine Enthusiast - Roger Voss - December 01, 2008
90 points "With its good bottle age, this bone-dry Champagne from Roederer has gained impressive complexity. The wine is certainly dry, but toast, vanilla and ground almond flavors add to the fruit. The apple skin texture holds this delicious wine together."
The Wine Advocate - Antonio Galloni -
89 points "The NV Extra-Dry Carte Blanche is another beautiful wine from Roederer. ... beautiful texture. A higher dosage of 17 grams per liter (vis-a-vis the 8-10 that is the norm here) gives the wine an extra measure of volume and richness that seems particularly well suited to spicier foods."
Cristal
Cristal 2004
Wine & Spirits - Joshua Greene - December 2011
97 Points "The energy in this wine recalls the 2002 Cristal (I wrote 'energy' three times in my notes.) In 2004, it's explosive. The wine is saturated with flavor, from floral notes of rose to pale limestone and equally pale fruit. The flavors keep going, as if striding through doorway after doorway in a limestone cellar, the Champenois equivalent of Get Smart. Built to age as gracefully as Agent 99, this won't disappoint if you open it now with scallop crudo."
Cristal 2004 Archived REVIEWS
The Wine Advocate - Antonio Galloni - December 23, 2010
97 Points "It is a powerful, structured Cristal layered with considerable fruit. ...Readers who are willing to spend some time with the wine today will find a super-impressive, complete Cristal. ...the 2004 Cristal has come together beautifully and is shaping up to be a truly great, monumental Champagne."
CNBC.com - Ray W. Isle - December 23, 2010
"Cristal is what Champagne producers refer to as a ‘tête de cuvee,’ the top-of-the-line offering. It’s only made in the best vintages, and takes that classic Champagne elegance and moves it up to entirely new level of refinement (that’s one reason why it’s best served in white wine glasses—you really want to be able to smell it). Also, like most great wines and if kept in ideal cellar conditions, Cristal can age beautifully for decades."
Wine Spectator - Bruce Sanderson - December 15, 2010
93 Points "Floral, citrus and spice aromas and flavors are at the forefront of this filigree, delicate Champagne. This is harmonious and well-defined, with a long aftertaste of roasted nut and toast."
Wine & Spirits - December 01, 2010
97 Points "A pale beauty with delicate power, energy and dimension, the 2004 Cristal is an impressive follow-up to the 2002. Scents of apple blossom hint at the depth and clarity of the fruit, layered with ginger and spice in a flavor delivered over the course of several minutes. The freshness of the wine comes through in a subtle hum rather than anything as overt as a buzz, bright, airy and unstoppable."
International Wine Cellar - Josh Raynolds - November 2010
94 Points "Taut, linear lemon and orange rind flavors give way to deeper pear in the mid-palate and pick up notes of honeysuckle and toasted grain with air. Still very young but shows excellent promise. Finishes with good mineral cut and sappy persistence."
Cristal 2002 Archived REVIEWS
Wine & Spirits - Joshua Greene - November 2010
100 Points One of the best Cham "If a wine could ever make you want to pull the top down on your '68 Ferrari convertible, rip off the rearview mirror and take off, this is it. ...All the scents and flavors seem to emanate from limestone, as does the acidity, which hints at the front of the mouth and powers through the wine with the kind of solar energy that lifts mist off the white chalk on a cool morning in Cramant....It's already irresistible, and will only improve with ten, 20, 30 and 40 years of age."
Wine & Spirits - Peter Liem - November 2010
100 Points "A typical Cristal requires several decades to show its best, yet a great one such as the 2002 shows a refinement, complexity and harmony that make it seductive in its youth as well."
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - June 01, 2010
97 Points "From a great vintage in Champagne, the 2002 Louis Roederer Cristal is spectacular. It is a young champagne with lots of brioche, honeysuckle, and nectarine notes presented in a full-bodied, rich style."
San Francisco Chronicle - Jon Bonné - December 13, 2009
Recommended "...Roederer's top Champagne remains a paradigm of the form, showcasing the blending talents of cellarmaster Jean-Baptiste Lecaillon. There's an electricity to the nose: white tea, orange, salt, moss and apple skin. It's perfectly harmonious, with fresh berry and fleshy fig flavors highlighted by ripe grapefuit and an intense mineral core. And its full depth isn't quite on display yet. An extraordinary Champagne, with a long life ahead..."
The Wine Advocate - Antonio Galloni - January 2009
96+ Points "The 2002 Cristal is a gorgeous, sculpted wine of extraordinary elegance. Graceful, well-delineated aromatics lead to ripe pears, spices, flowers, minerals and mint in this precise Champagne. ...The wine remains fresh and in need of several years of cellaring before it hits its stride."
Wine Enthusiast - Roger Voss - December 01, 2008
98 points "This is an exceptional wine, as is the vintage. The fruits--grapefruit, crisp red apple—-are balanced with a fine yeasty character. There is a great depth of flavor, the fruits going in a pure line of freshness. ...Age this wine for at least four years."
Gourmet - James Rodewald - December 2008
"The Louis Roederer Champagne house seems to be on a roll. Every one of their offerings is fantastic this year: the luxe Cristal 2002..."
Cristal 2000 Archived REVIEWS
Patterson's Tasting Panel Magazine - Anthony Dias Blue - February 2008
94 Points "Luscious and complex with pure, ripe fruit and creamy texture; long layers of flavor and a finish that lasts for minutes."
MSNBC Today - Ray Isle - December 12, 2007
"Floral and delicate, this ultra-luxury bottling from Roederer is what tete-de-cuvee Champagne is all about.'
Wall Street Journal - Dorothy J. Gaiter and John Brecher - December 01, 2007
Recommended "$100 and up:...We know that some people will turn to...Louis Roederer Cristal because [it has] such special status; that's fine because [it's] not just fashionable, but...really do[es] taste special, too."
Wine Enthusiast - Roger Voss - December 01, 2007
92 points "This is a lightweight Cristal, floating and fresh, without the punch this great wine can have from Pinot Noir. To taste, there is good balance, but the persistent grapefruit flavor shows the wine's youth."
Wall Street Journal - Dorothy J. Gaiter and John Brecher - December 01, 2007
Recommended "$100 and up:...We know that some people will turn to...Louis Roederer Cristal because [it has] such special status; that's fine because [it's] not just fashionable, but...really do[es] taste special, too."
Wine & Spirits - December 2007
95 points "A glorious, sunny Champagne, the 2000 Cristal weds all of its components into a dynamic sphere as if the bubbles were the wine itself. The bubbles carry concentrated flavors of red-skinned apple, hints of wild strawberry, high notes of apple blossoms and earthier notes of chanterelles. The interplay between the effervescence and the texture feels supple and rich, with a powerful drive that remains discreet. It’s an exceptional play on the vintage, transforming its broad ripeness into round elegance."
Quarterly Review of Wines - December 2007
Five-Star Prestige C "Deep, long, penetrating, non-stop, toast, fig and steel flavors."
International Wine Cellar - Josh Raynolds - November 2007
92 Points "Bright gold. Deep, subtly smoky nectarine and musky yellow plum aromas are energized by a suave mineral quality. Broad and fleshy, with deep, chewy pear, pit fruit and buttered toast flavors. A serious style, with velvety texture and excellent finishing punch. This has the concentration to repay cellaring but is open-knit enough to enjoy on the young side."
Wine News - Wine News Staff - November 2007
93 points "Doughy toasted grain aromas. Tart lemon-lime flavors have a frothy mouth-feel. This is a young, energized, well-structured Champagne with bracing acidity that sweetens-up in the finish."
Wine Spectator - Bruce Sanderson - October 19, 2007
91 points "This goes for personality and finesse. An assertive, honeyed style, with plenty of citrus flavors. Mature coffee and roasted nut accents are peeking through, with a robust structure and a dried citrus aftertaste. Drink now through 2018."
Cristal 1999 Archived REVIEWS
Robb Report - November 2007
Recommended "Since 1776, the distinguished Roederer family has created some of the most finely crafted Champagne in the world, most notably the famed Cristal, a creamy balanced orchestration of strength and delicacy."
Wine & Spirits - December 2006
95 Points "The precision of the flavors in this vintage of Cristal is riveting. They feel substantial, complete, youthful and extremely long even as their aromatic intensity remains subtle, layered in scents of fresh apple, brioche and yellow plum. But the integration is such that rather than emphasizing indiviual elements, the wine brings to mind words like brisk, elegant, refined. A beauty to drink now, though it will have more to offer with age."
Wine Spectator - November 30, 2006
91 Points "High-toned and floral, with hints of coconut and spice. Firm and lively. Needs a little time to integrate and resolve the fine mousse with the tactile finish. More backward and powerful than most 1999s, this has potential. Drink now through 2015." - B.S.
International Wine Cellar - J.R. - November 2006
92 Points “Light gold. Vibrant, tangy aromas of apple, pear, white peach and minerals. Wound tight right now, only reluctantly offering up flavors of fresh orchard fruits, herbs and pepper. Finishes zesty and long. Seems less deep than the 1997 bottling; is this just in a sullen, youthful stage?”
Wine News - December 2005
96 Points "Bold, winey aromas of Sherried apple, beer, minerals and butter. Explosive flavors of stawberry, apple and pilsner beer are weighty, juicy and balanced. Sweet finish features telltale apple and exotic brown spice notes."
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - December 2005
98 Points "One of the finest Champagnes I have ever brought to my lips, the 1999 Cristal bursts from the glass with fresh hazelnut and apple scents. Elegant, deep, and silky-textured, this medium to full-bodied beauty is immensely concentrated, pure, packed with apple flavors, and astoundingly long in the finish."
Cristal 1997 Archived REVIEWS
International Wine Cellar - Steve Tanzer - November 2005
90 Points "Light gold, with a hint of copper. Expansive and powerful on the nose, displaying scents of honey, light toffee, fresh fig and baked apples. Dense and thick, with serious heft; emphatically not an aperitif style of Champagne. The flavors of ripe apple and pear, singed butter and baking spices are concentrated and deep. Boasts a velvety, weighty texture that carries through the finish."
Wine News - January 2005
94 Points "Deep straw hue with lines of small bubbles and a full mousse. Quite apple-y with additional aromas of mixed grains, pecan, malt, buttered toast and bread dough nuance. Foamy, juicy flavors of apple, peach, straw, yeast and honey. Crisp finish shows citrus and grains."
Wine Enthusiast - R.V. - December 01, 2004
94 Points "If you think Champagne is not just bubbles, but is also wine, then this vintage is for you. It is rounded, rich, powerful, with a fine sense of the red fruits of Pinot Noir. To add further flavors, there are almonds, creaminess and warmth. There is a touch of austere minerality from the low dosage and the lack of malolactic which means it will age well over 10 years of more."
International Wine Cellar - Stephen Tanzer - December 2004
94 Points "Very fresh, complex nose combines soft citrus fruits, toast and minerals, with hints of red berries. Penetrating, bright and very intense, with powerful citrus and mineral flavors that turn sweeter toward the back end. The chewy finish of pear and hazelnut really stains the palate. Ultimately quite pliant and harmonious, in the style of the year."
Cristal 1996 Archived REVIEWS
The Wine Advocate - Antonio Galloni - January 23, 2009
96 Points "Roederer’s 1996 Cristal is gorgeous. The expressive, floral bouquet melds seamlessly into an expansive palate of sweet fruit. This is an exceptionally polished and finessed Cristal, but like so many vintages, it needs time in bottle, regardless of how rewarding it is today. Even after all of these great 1996s, the Cristal delivers the goods."
The Wine Advocate - Antonio Galloni - January 2009
96 Points "The estate’s 1996 Cristal, from a legendary vintage, does not disappoint. ...The 1996 is an insanely beautiful Cristal loaded with floral, perfumed fruit and vibrant minerality. The wine turns delicate in the glass, yet this is a sublime, fresh Cristal that is in need of further cellaring."
Wine Review Online - Ed McCarthy - August 2005
99 Points "Champagne doesn't get much better than Cristal; in the great vintages, it has no peer. Louis Roederer has been making Cristal as a dry prestige cuvée only since the end of World War II, but since then, this house has made some of the world's greatest Champagnes... The '96 Cristal stood out like a beacon at a recent Champagne luncheon of prestige cuvees. Its intense, honeyed flavors penetrate the palate and are backed with piercing acidity."
Wine Spectator - B.S. - November 2003
94 Points "A paradox. This has weight yet a sensation of weightlessness thanks to its seamless texture and harmony. Still firm and forceful yet elegant, offering citrus, pastry, biscuit and hazelnut notes enmeshed in the creamy texture. Great structure for aging. Drink now through 2015."
International Wine Cellar - Stephen Tanzer - December 2002
94+ Points "Multidimensional nose offers baked apple, orange oil, acacia honey, white chocolate, toffee and earthy low tones. Expansive, super concentrated and powerful but not aggressive, with wonderfully sweet flavors of orange, flowers and honey supported by strong underlying structure. An amazingly solid Champagne with the stuffing for extended development in bottle."
Cristal 1990 Archived REVIEWS
The Wine Advocate - Antonio Galloni - January 2009
97 Points "The 1990 Cristal is a dramatic, sweeping wine endowed with masses of apricots, peaches, flowers and minerals. A large-scaled Cristal, the 1990 combines size with clarity and focus in a remarkably complete style that recalls the 1982. The wine remains generous on the palate, with stunning length and a finish that lasts forever."
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - August 2008
96 Points "From magnum, the Louis Roederer 1990 Cristal is still a youngster. Gorgeous brioche, orange rind, and citrus notes are offered in a full-bodied, unbelievably pure style that could have been 5-6 years old rather than 18. It is always remarkable how well great Champagne can age."
Decanter - August 2005
5 Stars "Lavender honey nose with great nuttiness. A sublime balance of fruit, richness and acidity awe-inspiring. Occasionally methuselahs appear at auction."
Wine Spectator - December 15, 1998
94 Points "You won't soon forget this vivid and expressive Champagne. It packs in compound layers of citrus, vanilla, pear and nutmeg that harmonize and linger on the finish. Bright acidity makes it extra refreshing and layered. It has really opened up since last year. Best from 2000 through 2010. Tasted twice, with consistent notes."
Cristal Rosé
Cristal Rosé 2004
Wine & Spirits - Joshua Greene - December 2011
98 Points "Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon is the master of Rosé Champagne. Following the style developed by Jean-Claude Rouzaud with the first Cristal Rosé in 1974, Lécaillon cold-macerates old-vine pinot noir from Aÿ then bleeds it off the skins to create the transparent color and to capture and preserve the moment of freshness at harvest. The wine is perfectly formed, the fruit as present as if eating fraises des bois in a sunny field. It has the bliss of great Burgundy and the delicate length of Champagne, lasting for minutes. It should last for decades in the cellar."
Cristal Rosé 2002 Archived REVIEWS
Wine & Spirits - Joshua Greene - November 2010
100 Points One of the best Cham "There is no singular flavor, but rather a resonant chord, a series of oppositions that create the invisible intensity of an electric current, the power of the charge balanced by the elegance of the flavor and the structure of the wine. You could describe it as light and brisk, or bold and intense; either way you'll still be tasting it ten minutes later."
Wine & Spirits - Peter Liem - November 2010
100 Points "Elegant and exquisitely detailed, the ’02 Cristal Rosé is the finest rosé Champagne currently on the market."
Quarterly Review of Wines - July 01, 2010
Wine of the Year "There is no doubt: The best wine tasted this year was the 2002 Roederer Cristal Rosé ... This wine was a rare experience, and eclipsed all the others we tasted — not just Champagne! ... It’s sensuous, with soft salmon color, and a seductive frothiness that bursts on the palate. There is a mosaic of flavors: pear, cherry, raspberry, vanilla, toasted nuts, and a bit of lime. There’s a rich and refined Pinot Noir and Chardonnay character. And there’s brioche, almonds and cream on the ultra-long, richly textured finish."
Cristal Rosé 2000 Archived REVIEWS
Wine Enthusiast - Roger Voss - December 01, 2008
95 Points "Orange-pink in color, this a super-rich rosé. The flavors are of orange zest, citrus and red currants, with a beautiful contrast of hazelnuts. The texture, round and succulent, is still able to offer minerality and a crisp aftertaste."
The Wine Advocate - Antonio Galloni - December 2008
95 Points "The 2000 Cristal Rose emerges from the glass in a stunning display of well-articulated aromas and flavors. Everything in is perfect balance as this perfumed wine opens up in the glass in a style that recalls the weightless transparency of a great Burgundy. The finish is long, sweet and incredibly refined. I came back to the bottle several hours after opening, and the wine had blossomed into an extraordinary Champagne."
Quarterly Review of Wines - December 2008
Best of Show of 5-Star Prestige/Cuvee Rose Champagnes: "Wholly entrancing, with big, bold, smoky, red berry and toasted nut flavors that never quite quit."
San Francisco Chronicle - Lynne Char Bennett - February 01, 2008
3.5 Stars (Excellent "This is the rarest Champagne produced by Louis Roederer. Delicate, elegant and finessed, it has orange blossom, a touch of mushroom, rye seed and high-toned notes balanced with red fruit wrapped around an incisively acidic backbone. The subtle, complex aromas and flavors end with a creamy finish. Will improve with time, up to 20 years or more."
Cristal Rosé 1999 Archived REVIEWS
Wine & Spirits - Joshua Greene - December 2007
94 Points One of 100 Best Wine "The first impression is supple, with floral scents of jasmine to contrast darker tones of red fruit and wood. It's immediately apparent how fresh this is for a '99, an attribute that only grows more striking with air as the tensions turns toward richer nut tones and bright raspberry-strawberry flavor, savory rather than sweet. The balance of the wine captures all those elements in a dynamic finish that lasts for minutes, then lasts in memory. This is young and will continue to improve over the next decade."
Robb Report - Anthony Dias Blue - June 2007
Best of the Best "Roederer Cristal Rosé is always exquisite and complex, and the current, 1999 vintage, is long, resonant, and fresh....The extra effort [of skin maceration] pays off in seamless balance and harmony. Pure and elegant on the palate, the Cristal Rosé shows mingled notes of cherry, raspberry, and strawberry with remarkable length and finesse."
Wine & Spirits - December 2006
96 Points "Classical Champagne, this is predominantly pinot noir from old vines in Cumieres, creating a wine that focuses its flavors high in the mouth. It feels sleek and lively and lasts for minutes. The floral scents of strawberry and brisk taste of toasted lees provide a transparent flavor tha magnifies the minerality of the wine. The perfect form makes it lovely to drink on its own, or with slices of sashimi."
International Wine Cellar - Stephen Tanzer -
94 Points "Dark pink. Rich and complex on the nose, showing an array of red berries, cherry pit, fuitcake and pungent rose scents. Fresh, strikingly pure and spicy, with vibrant cherry and raspberry flavors deepened by notes of floral honey and nutmeg. This has real size and a rich, chewy texture but it's also impressively balanced, with equal parts finesse and power. Finishes with an exotic spicy note and superb length."
Cristal Rosé 1997 Archived REVIEWS
The Wine Advocate - Robert Parker - December 2006
98 Points "The 1996 Cristal Rose is an intensely-flavored Champagne with an unusually light pale salmon color. Its effervescence is restrained (almost non-existent), but the flavors are intense in this dry, austere, provocative offering. An outrageously great, singularly-styled rose Champagne, it is best served with intensely-flavored food. It is a tour de force in Champagne to enjoy over the next 7-10 years."
Wine News - December 2005
95 Points "Apple aromas fly from the glass and offer a prelude to notes of orange zest, brown spice and freshly baked bread. Ample flavors of baked apple, citrus, butterscotch, chalk and flint. Lingering finish is quite youthful and packed with citrus."
Wine & Spirits - December 2005
95 Points "A brilliant vintage of Cristal Rosé, this wine is perfectly knit, with all the power, freshness and compexity there in the weave. Pull it apart, and there's a lovely fruit sense of violets and pear, with chalky highlights surrounding the redder fruit and seeming to amplify all the other flavors. Or just drink it. As much as it may deplete your bank account, you'll feel momentarily, like the richest wine geek on earth."
International Wine Cellar - Stephen Tanzer - November 2005
96 Points "Copper-tinged pale pink color, with a strong mousse. Powerful aromas of honey, wild strawberry, blood orange, brioche, cinnamon toast, candied ginger and subtle clove. Remarkably concentrated, dense rose with kaleidoscopic fruit flavors ranging from citrus to orchard to tropical. Spicy, dense and very long, with deep smoky and cherry tones carrying through the supple, velvety but vibrant finish. As usual, a stunning wine of great depth and impeccable balance."