Louis Roederer : Cristal Vinothèque 2000

A rich and delicate vintage champagne by Louis Roederer

The estate

Founded in 1776 in Reims, the Louis Roederer Champagne House has remained family-owned and independent. Following over 200 years of existence, Louis Roederer is still in the hands of the same family. Today, headed by Frédéric Rouzaud, who represents the family’s seventh generation, Louis Roederer embodies the excellence of Champagne wines throughout the world, due to its vintages that are crafted like true works of art.

The vineyard

Comprising nearly 241 hectares of vines, the Louis Roederer House’s strength comes from its extraordinary vineyard, made up entirely of Grands and Premiers Crus in the Marne Valley, the Montagne de Reims and the Côte des Blancs. An impressive patchwork of terroirs, the Louis Roederer vineyard is divided into 410 plots that reflect the diversity of the Champagne region’s soils.

The wine

One of the most prestigious champagnes in the world, Louis Roederer's Cristal Vinothèque is unveiled after being kept in the House's cellars for 20 years.

Louis Roederer's Cristal Vinothèque 2000 is disgorged later, which brings out the full complexity of this exceptional champagne. Only a few bottles have been preserved and are ready to reveal their perfect balance and youthful brilliance.

The vintage

2000 was a year marked by heavy and regular rainfall, punctuated by an episode of hail on July 2nd which affected the vineyards of the Montagne de Reims. A mild summer and harvesting ripe grapes led to classic wines with a delicate, supple, gourmet and beautiful precision.

Vinification and ageing

Cristal Vinothèque 2000 by Louis Roederer was vinified underwood (24%). Aged for 11 years on laths, followed ageing neck down in the shaking tables before resting for a further 4 years after disgorgement.

The blend

Cristal Vinothèque 2000 by Louis Roederer is a blend of Pinot Noir (58%) and Chardonnay (42%).

The tasting

Colour

Bright, the colour is a beautiful golden yellow. The effervescence is fine and regular.

Nose

Delicate and crisp, the nose combines multiple and complex fragrances (yellow fruits, toasted hazelnuts, honey, almonds or nougat).

Palate

Enfolding and refined, the palate is seduced by this vintage’s freshness, its aromatic richness, its silky feel as well as its saline and airy finish.