1995 Cristal Rosé
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Tasting notes
This vintage was one of the last to see the Pinot Noir soaked at 20-24̊C. It is, in Lécaillon’s mind, the “same terroir, but a different story” versus more modern iterations of the wine. The wine glows golden in the glass – the colour of the sun just as it breaks the horizon. It’s incredibly open, the aromatics constantly shifting to reveal new layers. There’s a touch of mushroom or truffle, but with layers of rich, almost tropical, fruit behind – think peach, mango, peach tea and the bite of pomegranate, with caramel sweetness, but still a saline twist to the finish. A wine of weight and depth. Dosage 12g/l, tasted from magnum.
Critic scores
Jancis Robinson MW
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Served alongside the superb 2008 and much more orange (it was a botrytis year). Made before Lécaillon's winemaking system was in place (in fact, although he arrived at Roederer in 1989, he wasn't in charge of winemaking until 1999). Dosage 12 g/l. Magnum. Sweet and rich but without the zest and structure of the 2008. Clearly quite evolved and chunky – more brutal than the 2008. (JR)
The 1995 Cristal Rosé (Late Disgorged) is an excellent choice for drinking now, as it has pretty much reached the point where further improvement in the cellar is unlikely. At the same time, the 1995 shows no signs of fading; rather it gives the impression it will stay at this plateau for at least a handful of years, and likely longer. The flavors are bold and direct in a powerful yet slightly compact Cristal Rosé built on length. Orange peel, sweet red stone fruits, cinnamon, hazelnut and coffee add the final layers of nuance.
Magnum. Just 20,000 bottles made. Very pale, rose-tinged gold. Edge of green metal. Great spread of flavour on the palate. V flattering. Full and rich. Very very long. Can enjoy now. Great power with hint of rose-petal fragrance. Definitely Pinot Noir. (JR)