Louis Roederer Cristal Millesime Brut, Champagne, 2013, 75cl

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.

Light golden yellow, silver reflections, fine, persistent mousse. Inviting bouquet of orange blossom and white almonds, a hint of green apple, delicately smoky minerality; with air some mint and verbena. Full-bodied on the palate, fine stone-fruit notes, white fruit, very racy and incredibly animating, precise like a laser. Has improved once again in terms of harmony and complexity over the last three years, has now reached a first, youthful drinking window. Lingers for a long time, characterized by the typical salinity on the finish. Impressive performance. (PM, 09/25).

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.