Cristal Vinothèque 1997 celebrates the remarkable adventure of a very limited number of bottles, laid down for more than 20 years in the Louis Roederer cellars, in the quest for perfect balance. This cuvée was aged for 15 years "sur lattes" (bottle lying horizontal) followed by 5 years "sur pointes" (bottle lying upside down) and benefited from a further 4 years rest after disgorgement.
This is a magnificent expression of a mature champagne, concentrated by the passing of time yet, at the same time, so fresh and refined.
TASTING NOTES:
In the glass, the bright, golden hue shimmers under the lively and sprightly, ultra-fine bubbles. The pure, precise, intense and complex bouquet, with a blend of white flowers, almond, honey and scents of nougat. After aeration, you find the red fruit and smoke of the Pinot Noir, which is predominant in the blend. After a few minutes in the glass, warm and caramelised notes,
reminiscent of macaroons, baked apples and tarte tatin come through.
The wine is deliciously luscious on the palate, with a rich, velvety texture and a delicacy created by the freshness and the fine effervescence. The intensity of the Corsican lemon aromas is surprising, and combines well with concentrated candied citrus fruit, without too much acidity, drawn out by the great powdery and saline chalky freshness. The wine is serene, poised and dense, and lengthened by the delicate bubbles.
The 15 years spent resting "sur lattes" have given this wine an almost baroque radiance, born from the contrast between the magnificent body, the concentrated texture, the imposing saline freshness that accompanies the bouquet and the umami presence. This freshness reminds us of the radiance of youth and purity, like it has been suspended in time.
VINTAGE:
The mild spring of 1997 brought on an early bud burst and was followed by bitterly cold temperatures in mid-April coupled with severe frosts which damaged the Verzenay and Verzy vineyards. Flowering took place early, on 10th June for the Côte des Blancs and Aÿ and on 13th June for Verzenay, and was immediately followed by a very cold and rainy spell which lasted through until early August and left us fearing the worst for our vines, due to the high threat of mildew and peduncular rot in particular. The return of better weather conditions in August and the warm and sunny weather in September saved a year that did not begin well. The harvests began on 15th September in the Vallée de la Marne, 18th September in the Montagne de Reims and 22nd September in the Côte des Blancs, and took place in bright sunshine! Harvesting from 15th September to 1st October 1997.
ORIGINS:
33.3% La Rivière vineyards
33.3% La Montagne vineyards
33.3% La Côte vineyards
MAIN CRUS: Verzenay, Verzy, Beaumont-sur-Vesle, Ay, Avize, Mesnil-sur-Oger, Cramant
WINE IN OAK: 6%
MALOLACTIC FERMENTATION: 16%
DOSAGE: 8g/l
