LOUIS ROEDERER Cristal Brut Millesime 2013 Bottle

Description

Louis Roederer Cristal Brut Millésime 2013 is an outstanding Champagne that epitomises elegance and sophistication. Sourced exclusively from the estate's vineyards in the renowned villages of Aÿ and Verzy, this vintage showcases the benefits of a cool growing season, resulting in vibrant acidity and complexity. The blend predominantly features Chardonnay, complemented by Pinot Noir, achieving a brilliant golden hue and a fine stream of bubbles. The captivating nose reveals enticing aromas of citrus fruits, white flowers, and brioche, with delicate hints of almonds and minerality. Rated 98 points by Jancis Robinson, James Suckling, and The Wine Advocate, this full-bodied Champagne offers a creamy texture and lively acidity, culminating in a long, rewarding finish, making it a true gem for wine enthusiasts.

THE WINE ADVOCATE 98 points
Drink Date: 2026 - 2053
One of the greatest wines of Louis Roederer’s contemporary chapter, the 2013 Cristal continues to impress. Tasted from magnum, which was disgorged in September 2024 with a dosage of 7.5 grams per liter, it wafts from the glass with a bouquet of white flowers, lemon zest and toasted hazelnut, mingling with iodine and smoke. Qualitatively speaking, it's “a copy of 2012 with a month longer growing cycle,” summarizes Lecaillon, and it's indeed true that these two wines represent the high points of the of the decade so far—as only time will tell what Jean-Baptiste Lecaillon will achieve with 2019. Expecting a crystalline, electric wine, given the cool, late-ripening season, the 2013 indeed delivers a Champagne that is bright, with incredible clarity and concentration, even if it’s undeniably a leaner version than its immediate predecessor. Since its release, I've enjoyed the 2013 Cristal several times from my own cellar, but having the opportunity to appreciate it from a magnum delivered an even more textural and seamless experience, emphasizing its chalky personality and laser precision.

JAMES SUCKLING 98 points
Magnums of Cristal are always released a couple of years after the original release of a vintage. And the 2013 is gorgeous. It’s linear and extremely long, showing real energy and vibe with crushed chalk and stone. Medium-bodied, tight and still structured, with phenolic tension and intensity. Fresh finish. Demonstrates the reserve power of Crystal. Drink or hold.

WINE ENTHUSIAST 98 points
This iconic Champagne, first made in the 19th century for the Tsar of Russia, shows its typical stunning balance and poise between richness and concentration. It has a pure white fruit and honeysuckle aroma and tight, tangy fresh fruit flavors. Just ready to drink, the wine will age well, for at least 20 years. Organic.

DECANTER 96 points
Tasted by: Simon Field MW
Drinking Window: 2021 - 2033
The peak of drinkability is between 15 and 20 years from the harvest; so says Jean-Baptiste, but he has not spared the taster the wondrous early impression of perfection in the making. A soft gold with glistening highlights, like the river meadow at dawn; the nose effortlessly marries a panoply of flavours, the citric grip nodding to hints of passion fruit and Mirabelle plum, with hazelnut and almond signalling the grace of development. Texturally generous, yet tightly wound, taut and flinty yet ripe and open, the wine faithfully underlines the vigneron’s philosophy, every nuance of its template deftly rehearsed and charmingly enacted. Disgorged: autumn 2020. Dosage: 7.5g/L.