Category:
 
Sparkling Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
Champagne
Producer:
 
Louis Roederer
Label Name:
 
Cristal Vinotheque (Gift Box)
Vintage:
 
2002
Country:
 
France
Region:
 
Champagne (Montagne de Reims / Reims)
Volume:
 
750ml
ABV:
 
12%
Grape(s):
 
Pinot Noir (60%), Chardonnay (40%)
Acidity:
 
5
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
4
Length:
 
5
Aroma Intensity:
 
5
Best Temperature:
 
8-10°C

Awards/Ratings
High critical acclaim — James Suckling ~99, Falstaff 100 (2024); consistently top scores from major critics and auction market for the Vinothèque releases

Tasting Note
Medium-golden, ultra-fine mousse; aromas of citrus, white chocolate, toasted hazelnut, brioche and subtle truffle; saline-iodine minerality, silken texture and a very long, savory finish.

Food Pairing
Western: caviar, lobster, truffle risotto, foie gras, roasted scallops; Asian: premium sushi/sashimi, tempura, miso-glazed black cod, Peking duck.

Production Method
Traditional method (Méthode Champenoise); about 17% vinified in oak; no malolactic; extended lees aging (≈11 years for Vinothèque), disgorged after long cellar aging; dosage ~8 g/L.

Vineyard Info
Louis Roederer, family-owned since 1776, owns Grand Cru parcels across Champagne. Cristal is the house prestige cuvée; Vinothèque releases are a small portion of vintages aged longer for extra complexity.