Cristal Rosé 2012 -  Champagne Louis Roederer
Cristal Rosé
2012

Origins

50%
Estate
"La Rivière"
50%
Estate
"La Côte"

Grape varieties

56%
Pinot noir
44%
Chardonnay

Wines in oak

15%

Harvest

From 15 September to 1 October 2012

Dosage

8 g/l
Cristal Rosé 2012 -  Champagne Louis Roederer

2012 was one of the most challenging years ever experienced in Champagne.

However, the low yields due to the continental weather conditions towards the end of the season gave us grapes with unusual levels of maturity, resulting in rich, full-bodied and well-structured wines, worthy of the greatest vintages in Champagne.

Cristal Rosé hails from 4 Grands Crus plots in Aÿ, Avize and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, set aside within Domaine Cristal in La Vallée de la Marne (also known as the vineyard of ""La Rivière"") and La Côte des Blancs. Created in 1974, this fine champagne brings us the purest expression of the chalk, creating energy, a captivating presence and ultimate finesse: the complete mastery of a champagne that is as fabulous as a fine perfume.

Using a combination of maceration and blending methods that are part of Louis Roederer’s unique infusion technique, this champagne is the result of a delicate and precise exercise requiring great skill and mastery. The Chardonnay juices are added to a maceration of Pinot noir grapes which then ferment together and integrate smoothly and harmoniously.

6 to 10 years ageing in the bottle, riddling exclusively by hand and a long rest after disgorgement all play a part in the crafting of a vintage Cristal. This is a champagne that is destined for high-end gastronomy, capable of creating the most refined and original food pairings, to be enjoyed at different stages of its life and maturity.

Cristal Rosé 2012 -  Champagne Louis Roederer

Tasting notes

Unleashing fine tangy notes, citrus zest, mandarin orange, wild strawberry, toasted and almond overtones and hints of verbena and bergamot, Cristal Rosé 2012 offers an infinite array of exquisite combinations.

It is flawless, complete, serene and deep. Balancing the delicacy of the fresh fruit with the power of the zesty, chalky freshness, this champagne possesses the youth, strength of character and elegance of a ballerina.

“ Throughout the tasting experience, the wine’s finesse remains intricately interwoven with its powerful structure: Cristal Rosé 2012 displays youth, strength of character and the elegance of a Degas ballerina. ”
Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon,
Cellar Master
Cristal Rosé 2012 -  Champagne Louis Roederer

Ageing potential

Cristal is an experience unlike any other, crafted in a manner that will allow it to reveal itself very gradually over time.

This outstanding champagne grows more glorious with every passing year, gaining in depth, finesse and aromatic complexity. The freshness of its youth evolves progressively to reveal more candied, spicy and saline aromas along with ever more delicate and refined bubbles.

It can be enjoyed in the purity and chalky freshness of its youth or can be laid down for a few more years or even decades in a cool, dark cellar, with its orange cellophane protecting it from light, where it will continue to evolve beautifully over time.

This wine has a promising future ahead of it and its destiny is in your hands!

Reviews

Wine Advocate - Robert Parker (March 2020)
98/100
"All the concentration of the 2012 vintage is on display, but it's rendered with terrific finesse."
James Suckling (Sept. 2019)
99/100
"This has such incredible potential. So exciting."
Wine Spectator (Oct. 2020)
96/100
"An elegant rosé Champagne, starting quietly with a subtle range of white cherry, Marcona almond, pink grapefruit zest and saffron flavors that gain momentum and volume as they expand, gliding across the palate's fine, raw silk–like texture."
Jeb Dunnuck (July 2020)
99/100
Jancis Robinson (June 2019)
18,5/20
"Long and hugely impressive. Lowest dosage ever. Great stuff. Tastes sweet and already flirtatious."