LOUIS ROEDERER Cristal Brut Millesime 2002 Bottle

Description

Louis Roederer Cristal 2002 is an extraordinary Champagne that showcases remarkable depth and sophistication. Awarded 98 points by Wine Enthusiast, it features a balance of grapefruit and crisp red apple, complemented by a fine yeasty character. James Suckling rates it 98 points, highlighting its fresh aromas of chalky stones, flowers, and citrus, alongside intense flavours of lemon curd and a vibrant, smooth finish. Decanter scores it 97 points, praising its floral notes and mineral qualities that enhance the rich fruit elements. This vintage Champagne exemplifies the iconic style of Cristal, making it perfect for immediate enjoyment or cellaring for future development. It’s a captivating choice for connoisseurs seeking a refined tasting experience.

*****

From the greatest vintage of the 21st century thus far, the best since 1990 to be more precise! Balance and power, potential and depth, a very very fine Cristal. (Simon Field MW)

WINES & SPIRITS 100 points
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. It has a different kind of energy than the '02 Cristal Rosé, which is more ethereal, like strawberries at the right hand of some ancient Gallic god. This is more insolent, brash, earth bound. All the scents and flavors seem to emanate from limestone, as does the acidity, which hits 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. The wine goes on for miles. It's already irresistible, and will only improve with ten, 20, 30 and 40 years of age.

WINE ENTHUSIAST 98 points
This is an exceptional wine, as is the vintage. The fruits—grapefruit, crisp red apple—balance with a fine yeasty character. There is a great depth of flavor, the fruits going in a pure line of freshness. The one problem is that it is much too young, the result of the demand from the market for the next vintage. Age this wine for at least four years. — Roger Voss

JAMES SUCKLING 98 points
A re-release of the original 2010 disgorgement. Super fine, super fresh and super savory aromas of chalky stones with hints of flowers, white almonds, lemon peel and grapefruit. The palate has intense, mouth-filling, lemon-curd flavor. Very powerful, very concentrated and very expressive. Smooth finish that’s full of life, leaving a bright, white cherry note. Drink in 2022.

DECANTER 97 points
Tasted by: Georgina Hindle (at Manhatta, New York, 10 Jun 2023) Part of Louis Roederer masterclass: DFWE New York
Drinking Window: 2023 - 2040
Twenty years is a sweet spot for Cristal said Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon during the Decanter masterclass in New York and this 2002 didn't disappoint. Floral notes and touches of iodine on the nose give both an appealing aroma and minerality balancing the lemon, sea salt, honeysuckle and nutty aspects. Lean and crisp on the palate, this is definitely more on the mineral side right now. The maturity is evident in the light, less immediately thrilling aspect to the acidity and fruit flavours, this is more calm, still full of richness and generous red fruit elements, juicy strawberry and tangy lemon and lime. A lovely, soft caressing Champagne that’s lost its fat. A charming and easy wine which really showcases the terroir.

THE WINE ADVOCATE 96 points
"Tasted from the original 2009 disgorgement, the 2002 Cristal is a broad, vinous wine, bursting with aromas of honeyed yellow orchard fruit, warm butter, brioche and fresh peaches. On the palate, it's full-bodied, textural and mouthfilling, rendering the fine-boned chalky structure and textural finesse that distinguish this quintessentially elegant style of this cuvée in a broader-shouldered, more enveloping register. The 2002 is beginning to enter its plateau of maturity and is drinking beautifully today, though it still has many years ahead of it." Drink Date: 2019 - 2039

VINOUS 96 points
The 2002 Cristal is just now beginning to enter a plateau of early maturity. The ripeness and exuberance is on full display, but the 2002 needs quite a bit of air to fully open up and show its personality. Today, the 2002 is racy and intense to the core, with fabulous balance and plenty of the vintage's trademark opulence. What a gorgeous Champagne this is. 10,000 cases imported in the US. - Antonio Galloni

JANCIS ROBINSON18.5 points
Deep dark straw. Very complex and this seems really quite aged. Mature white-burgundy sensation. Complex and savoury. Really exciting. Maybe not the most persistent Cristal in this vertical tasting, but really exciting. (JR)