The 2018 Cristal opens a new chapter for Roederer. The Cristal estate is composed of 45 parcels. In better vintages, most of the 45 parcels are used for the blend. The 2018 vintage brought with it elevated ripeness and generally low acids. Longtime Chef de Caves Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon was forced to cast his gaze wider, to look for parcels that offered a touch of freshness. Lécaillon expanded his palette to 57 parcels. The result is a Cristal unlike any other I have tasted. Orchard fruit, dried flowers, spice, chalk and herbs. 

The nose is energetic and lively, with strawberry and raspberry in cream, flaky salt, and violet, all harmonizing delicately. The palate is precise, showing wild strawberry, raspberry, soft florals, and a subtle salty-stony core, while hints of spice lie just beneath the surface. It benefits from time to fully come together in bottle but is approachable now with aeration.

An energetic bouquet opens on perfectly ripe orchard fruit of freshly cut pears and bergamot, framed by chalky limestone that signals both precision and depth. The palate is brisk and composed, moving effortlessly with clarity and drive before settling into a long, saline finish. Expressive, balanced and deeply satisfying.

This expression embodies grace, with aromas of fresh pear, white peach, jasmine, and violet framed by a subtle vein of pulverized seashell and chalk. The palate is guided by mouthwatering acidity and fine mousse, carrying citrus oils and crushed stone with quiet precision into a long, elegant finish. Proper aeration allows the mineral edges to open fully, delivering an irresistible and finely tuned sip.

Extremely intense nose with an explosion of life. Light smokiness and crème patissière. By no means bone dry, in fact the fruit is positively exuberant. Like a rich lemon mousse. I like it!