2002 Louis Roederer "Cristal Vinothèque" Brut Champagne 1.5L (direct from Roederer 2026)

A golden straw hue, the 2002 Champagne Cristal Vinothèque was aged for 11 years sur latte, and then an additional 5 years sur pointe, where they continued to riddle them every quarter, keeping the lees working while further sealing the wine from oxygen. It was disgorged in 2019, with a lower dosage of 6 grams per liter and a bit more bottle pressure than Cristal's base release. Smoky and complex, it shows off an incredible kaleidoscope of aromas and flavors with exceptional length. It’s a singular wine with fantastic umami richness and an expressive bouquet of apricot, ginger candy, frangipane, and praline. The palate offers a rich glycerol texture that takes this above and beyond, with a pinpoint mousse and a seamless spine of acidity. It’s showing incredibly well now, but there’s no need to hurry. It should drink up well over the coming two decades. Drink 2024-2050. (AF)

The 2002 Cristal Vinothèque offers a touch more precision and tension than the original release. Dried flowers, tangerine peel, spice, mint and orange peel all grace this exquisite, wonderfully vibrant Champagne. The 2002 opens beautifully with air, offering a compelling mix of 2002 rich fruit drenched in bright, chalky saline notes. The explosive finish is incredibly alluring. Dosage is 7 grams per liter. Disgorged: 2018. 98+ (AG)