Bright, shiny yellow hue. Magnificent fine, slow-moving bubbles. The bouquet is intense, deep and precise, combining scents of white flowers (acacia), concentrated, roasted citrus (lemons) and ripe yellow fruit (peaches, mirabelle plums). After a few minutes, subtle iodised, powdery and roasted overtones emerge, the result of the autolysis of the yeasts during the “sur lattes” ageing process. On the palate, there is an immediate impression, soft and delicate, more accessible than ever! It is like a zabaglione with concentrated, juicy and ripe fruit, the hallmark of the great Pinot noirs from the heatwave in 2016 with their soft, caressing texture derived from the chalky soil in which they grow. The bubbles are tactile, perfectly integrated and almost salty. Wheat and oyster shell notes are the signature of the slow and late ripening great Chardonnays. The substance is there, powdery, grainy and deliciously chocolatey. We are very close to having the “ideal” balance, the wine is crisp, saline and iodised, with a long, chalky, crystalline finish that lingers and builds to a crescendo. The overall impression is one of refinement, sapidity and purity... like the infinite grace of an opera ballerina.

Cristal 2016 is pure, delicate and concentrated. It is the perfect, eloquent “Grand Cristal”: 50% sun (ripe, juicy Pinot noirs) and 50% soil (chalky, saline Chardonnays). It is similar to the 2002, 2008 and 2012, but with an even longer, more precise and concentrated character.

The bouquet is intense, powerful and incredibly youthful. 8 years after its disgorgement, the Cristal Rosé 2002 is still bursting with fresh, fruity aromas. Its soft, smooth notes of fresh fruits and candied citrus intertwine with more floral notes such as rose as well as smokey notes, cocoa, spice and cinnamon. The wine is juicy, fleshy and succulent on entry. Dense, concentrated and powdery texture with a smooth, juicy mouthfeel, chalky freshness and a saline finish that gives it a distinctive, ethereal, long and very pure style.

Bright pink hue with delicate salmon-pink tints. Soft, even sparkle that fills the glass and gives the wine an almost creamy appearance. The delicate, subtle bouquet opens up with elegant aromas of flower petals and dried fruit and nuts, which then give way to zesty notes of red berries such as redcurrant and wild strawberry, characteristic of Louis Roederer's old pinot noir vines from Aÿ. The juicy and fleshy attack is underpinned by a direct, intense freshness. It displays simultaneously solid and fluid powdery notes harking back to the tannins in the pips which were perfectly ripe and lignified. There is an explosion of intense, rich, fresh flavors, complemented by notes of hazelnut and a powdery, almost oily, mouthfeel, characteristic of the finest pinot noirs. There is an impression of chalkiness on the finish with zesty notes reminiscent of candied citrus and yuzu.

A light, bright pink with copper tints. The delicate effervescence develops into a persistent string of bubbles. Chalk is here at its most charming, creating energy, refinement and powdered texture. The ultimate finesse! The bouquet is both elegant and deep, with dark berries (blackcurrant) and fruits of the forest (blackberry, wild strawberries). There is also a hint of perfectly ripe Morello cherry. Reminiscent of concentrated tangy jam. The immediate effect on the palate is velvety, silky and enchanting... characteristic of the great pinot noir from Aÿ, simultaneously intense with aromas and with a tight structure, all the while remaining delicate, subtle and ethereal. Cristal Rosé 2009 is grandiose, with the finesse and elegance of a prima ballerina!

Salmon pink hue with golden tints. Consistent and incredibly delicate effervescence. The bouquet is poised and remarkably elegant. Its subtle, fleeting aromas are so delicately scented, intertwined and complex that they are difficult to describe. They invite you to take your time and lose yourself in this wine, which reveals itself at its own pace, like the master of time it is! The nose exudes delicate, zesty, fresh and precise notes of citrus peel, yuzu, forest fruit, mandarin, raspberry and wild strawberry which evolve towards roasted notes and almonds before giving way to fresh, herbal aromas of verbena and bergamot. It reveals a lively palate invigorated by an incredibly elegant effervescence and beautifully light bubbles that soften the fruity structure and texture. The overwhelming sensation is one of serenity, the elegance of fresh fruit and the power of the zesty, chalky freshness. The finish is wonderfully long and enticing.

Throughout the entire tasting experience, the wine’s finesse remains intricately interwoven in its power and structure. Cristal Rosé 2012 displays youth, strength of character and the elegance of a Degas ballerina.