Fresh pink hue with golden tints. Fine, even and almost glowing effervescence with golden-tinged bubbles. Delicate floral notes and a hint of sweetness (hawthorn) and fresh zesty red fruit (redcurrant) accompanied by roasted and powdery notes (cocoa). The bouquet is discreet and incredibly fresh for a wine with 20 years of age. After aeration, the wine’s bouquet becomes deeper revealing a chalkier, juicier character with smoky notes yet without a single wrinkle! The attack is creamy and velvety smooth. The texture dominates and creates a sensation of richness that gently yet completely coats the palate. The bubbles unfurl, attenuated by the soft and evanescent texture. A nectar-like density reveals the sunny maturity of the year, but the limestone freshness then takes over and prolongs and elongates the mouthfeel resulting in a sensation of lightness and finesse, characteristic of Cristal Rosé.

Lovely, slightly coppery, shimmering rose petal hue. An even flow of ultra-fine bubbles. The bouquet is bursting with freshness! We have an astonishing impression of a sea breeze wafting in delicately concentrated fragrances of zesty red and citrus fruits. After a few moments, all the complexity of the great Ay Pinot noirs is revealed to us: petals, peonies, cocoa beans, concentrated red fruit liqueur (raspberry), smoky notes, gingerbread, praline and cedar... accompanied by a few scents of undergrowth. Dynamic, concentrated and fresh on the palate. We still have that predominant freshness, but this time it's provided by the red fruit (zesty pomegranate). Then come the substance and the bubbles, tactile, delicately silky and bewitching, gradually revealing the flavoursome length typical of Cristal rosé. We have a veritable sensation of great lusciousness and vitality underpinned by a sweet/ saline/powdery finish.

Golden hue with bright amber tints. Gentle, ultra fine and even bubbles. The complex bouquet is reminiscent of juicy, ripe, almost exotic fruit (mango), cocoa beans and white chocolate with a hint of smoke. Aeration takes the intensity up a notch as sweeter, deeper aromas of malt and black truffle start to emerge. These are testament to the extra years spent ageing on the lees created by the second fermentation. This depth of aroma is complete, more mature, rare and captivating. The palate is velvety and sensual, precise yet mellow. The bubbles are so fine as to be almost sheer, caressing and ethereal, like an array of delicate silk veils in a myriad of shades. The palate is exceptionally precise, with the various elements concentrated to the point of retaining only the wine’s essence: a powdery and chalky texture – harking back to the limestone soils of the Cristal vineyards – and an elegant, long, refined freshness. The wine’s length and graceful tension create a real sensation of tranquility.

Bright and clear with a golden yellow hue and delicate amber tints. Fine, delicate mousse forming tight bubbles in the glass. The bouquet is remarkably intense, lively, concentrated and complex. The nose opens with fruity aromas which is unusual for a 22-year-old wine: ripe pear and apple, apricot, zesty notes of candied lemon, yuzu and orange peel. After aeration the aromas evolve to hot stone, chalk, smoke, mocha, hazelnut and fresh pastries.

On the palate the wine is concentrated with a rich, almost oily, texture that continues on to the mid-palate thanks to the wine’s chalky, saline freshness. The texture becomes more pronounced with a powdery minerality on the tongue. The finish is lively, saline and very long.

Pure, precise, intense and complex bouquet, with a blend of white flowers, almond, honey and scents of nougat. After aeration, one can also detect the red fruit and smoke of the Pinot Noir, which is predominant in the blend. After a few minutes in the glass, warm and caramelised notes, reminiscent of macaroons, baked apples and tarte tatin, start to come through. The wine is deliciously luscious on the palate, which has a rich, velvety texture and a delicacy created by the freshness and the fine effervescence. The intensity of the Corsican lemon aromas is surprising, and combines well with concentrated candied citrus fruit, without too much acidity, drawn out by the great powdery and saline chalky freshness. The wine is serene, poised and dense, and lengthened by the delicate bubbles.

The 15 years spent resting “sur lattes” have given this wine an almost baroque radiance, born from the contrast between the magnificent body, the concentrated texture, the imposing saline freshness that accompanies the bouquet and the umami presence. This freshness reminds us of the radiance of youth and purity, as if time had been suspended.