1997 Louis Roederer Cristal
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Tasting notes
Aromas of crisp stone fruit, tangerine, macadamia nut and fresh bread introduce the 1997 Cristal, a medium to full-bodied, deep and chiseled Champagne that's seamless and vibrant, with fine concentration and a pearly mousse. At least from my cellar, this remains a very youthful wine, and it's clearly one of the "sleeper" vintages of Cristal that is drinking well today.
Critic scores
Average Score
Richard Juhlin
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Light honey colour. Very tight bead. Attractively compact and with an acidity level that seemed almost comforting(ly low) after the red bordeaux first growths from the same vintage. Tightly laced with Chardonnay influence in evidence at the moment. No desperate hurry to drink – even if most of it will presumably be drunk by now anyway. (JR)
Light gold, with a hint of copper. Expansive and powerful on the nose, displaying scents of honey, light toffee, fresh fig and baked apples. Dense and thick, with serious heft; emphatically not an aperitif style of Champagne. The flavors of ripe apple and pear, singed butter and baking spices are concentrated and deep. Boasts a velvety, weighty texture that carries through the finish.
Very fresh, complex nose combines soft citrus fruits, toast and minerals, with hints of red berries. Penetrating, bright and very intense, with powerful citrus and mineral flavors that turn sweeter toward the back end. The chewy finish of pear and hazelnut really stains the palate. Ultimately quite pliant and harmonious, in the style of the year.