Champagne Louis Roederer Cristal 2009 (1 x 0.75 l)

Cristal 2009, a golden hue with a fine stream of bubbles. The nose has hints of citrus and candied apricots. On the palate a toasted nuttiness combines with seductive hints of vanilla. This is a champagne full of energy in its youthful stage, but with bundles of possibility if left to develop. Incredible ageing potential. In 1876, Russia's Tsar Alexander II, a long-time lover of Louis Roederer wines, asked the producer to create a special cuvée for his personal use which was unique in both its style and bottle design. He requested that his personal cuvée be served in transparent crystal glass bottles with a flat bottom to foil the insertion of explosives by would-be assassins. Thus, Louis Roederer selected the best vines from seven Grand Crus on his estate and Cristal, the first prestige cuvée, was born. Now world-famous, Cristal is produced only from the truly great vintages in which the ripeness of the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes can provide the subtle and precise balance that is now the distinction of this cuvée. Between 20-30% of the wines are vinified in oak barrels and the final blend is matured for six years in the cellars and rests for twelve months after disgorgement. The 2009 vintage was a continental, sunny year with a real winter that was very cold and dry followed by a glorious sun-filled summer and almost no rain in August and September. The harvest was incomparable in terms of quality and produced consistent, fresh and crunchy grapes. Vineyards: 100% Grand Cru Grape Varieties: 60% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay Ageing: 6 years on the lees.