Cristal Vinothèque pushes back time, giving full expression to its bubbles and its persistence.

This champagne thus takes on a new identity, honed by a prolonged ageing process, spanning two decades, sur lattes, sur pointe and then on the cork, and by late disgorgement. This exceptional champagne, replenished by time, faithfully embodies our quest for accomplishment, revealing an exceptional intensity and complexity.

The result of a bespoke ageing process, the champagne first undergoes a long period of resting on the lees of between 8 and 12 years: this preparatory phase allows the aromas of the champagne to evolve and the structure of the wine to develop complexity. After riddling, the wine is left sur pointe: this suspends the passage of time and the wine rests for 5 to 10 years.

Then comes the period of resting on the cork: once disgorged, the wine has found its ideal home for resting in the perfect conditions of the Louis Roederer cellars, dug deep into the rock, where it remains for 2 to 6 years. Honed by this period of waiting and resting, guided by the decisions of the cellar master, the wine slowly acquires a lustre. The cellar master therefore gives it a lower dosage (1 or 2 grams less) than the original Cristal creating a champagne that is fresher and more gastronomic.

The Cristal Vinothèque 2000 is now entering a new phase in its journey towards maturity.

Time has worked its magic by imparting complexity, depth, aromatic intensity and intricacy of texture whilst further accentuating the wine’s freshness. The discretion and elegance of the aromas prevail with a crisp nose of juicy yellow fruit, roasted hazelnuts, honey, almonds and nougat. The palate reveals a soft and well-integrated mousse underpinned by a chalky freshness and discreet generosity. The finish is big yet silky smooth, as light as a feather and nothing short of magical in its saline, powdery freshness… pure perfection!

This outstanding Champagne has now reached perfect maturity and is ready to be enjoyed. However, it sees no reason to rush and will happily continue to rest in a cool, dark cellar with its orange cellophane protecting it from light, for a few more years should you so wish.