Louis Roederer Cristal Millesime 2002 1,5L

Name: Louis Roederer Cristal Millesime 2002
Price: 1900.00 EUR
Availability: InStock

Louis Roederer

€ 1 900,00 (ex VAT)

1 in stock

ROBERT PARKER " The 2002 Cristal Rosé has always been suspected to become a legend one day. Now, nine years later, the onion-colored wine has arrived in the Olympus of the finest Champagnes. Clear, matured and vinous on the intense and complex yet very delicate nose, this is a lush, succulent, perfectly round and intense 2002 that equilibrates its generosity and texture with great elegance and spellbinding balance. Stunningly, this seamless, charmingly seductive and voluptuous character is combined with great purity and harmony, especially in the finish that is not just round and caressing but also fresh, piquant and stimulatingly salty. Is there anything more we could expect from a Rosé Champagne? Even if you served me the wine in a black glass, it would still be a gorgeous, beautiful wine. Yes, it's wine rather than anything else, and its bubbly vinosity makes me desperate for more. If I just could, I would marry the 2002 Cristal Rosé straightaway. The cuvée reflects a great continental vintage as well as the stupendous terroirs of Aÿ (Pinot Noir: 60%), Avize and Mesnil (Chardonnay: 40%). The bottle I tasted at Roederer in Reims in May 2018 was disgorged in 2011, so, like the 2008, after eight years on the second lees. Postscript: When I came back home from the tasing two weeks later and re-read my notes that finished with, "This is very, very close to 100 points," and had the score as "99+" (the most brutal of all scores), I asked myself: was this artificial reservation just because of the stupendous potential of the 2008 Cristal? Or was it due to the fact the 2002 Cristal Rosé could be topped by the 2002 Cristal Rosé Vinothèque in five years or so? Sometimes we critics tend to be too academic while speed tasting wine, and we don't have the spontaneous joy of drinking wine like our readers. If I only had the choice, I would have ended my day with the 2002 Cristal Rosé, but in fact, I met the wine only for 15 to 20 minutes. I loved it, it's a spellbinding beauty, but is this 2002 really the first 100-pointer Champagne in the 40-year history of The Wine Advocate? I don't know if it is the best Champagne of the past 40 years (I would never say that for any wine), but in fact, I would be the first reviewer giving a Champagne the perfect score. Is this wine really worth it? Today, I am asking myself why I have put myself through these questions instead of just drinking a glass of this Rosé Cristal, at least one! What do we know about tomorrow? Will we still be here? Will the 2008 be as good as the 2002 is right now just because the grapes were cultivated 100% biodynamically, thus with even more care? Well, here and now is the 2002, and it will most likely not get any better but will keep its high class for years. It is doubtlessly the finest Rosé Champagne I have ever had, and if I had to write down all the attributes I like to find in a perfect Rosé, it would be charm, finesse and generosity as well as freshness, intensity and purity, or simply: "Just like the Cristal Rosé 2002." "

Product Details

Classification: Grande Cru
Country: France
Producer: Louis Roederer
Region: Champagne
Subregion: Reims
Grape: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2002
Volume: 1,5
Sweetness: Brut
Type: Rose
RP Score: 100

Category: Reims, Champagne, Grand Cru

Louis Roederer Cristal Millesime 2002 1,5L

ROBERT PARKER ” The 2002 Cristal Rosé has always been suspected to become a legend one day. Now, nine years later, the onion-colored wine has arrived in the Olympus of the finest Champagnes. Clear, matured and vinous on the intense and complex yet very delicate nose, this is a lush, succulent,…

The Estate

Louis Roederer Cristal represents a distinguished producer committed to excellence and terroir expression. Through meticulous viticulture and precise winemaking, the estate has built a reputation for producing wines of exceptional quality, balance, and aging potential. Each vintage reflects the philosophy of minimal intervention and respect for the natural character of the vineyard.

The domaine’s commitment to sustainable farming practices, selective harvesting, and gentle cellar techniques ensures that every bottle expresses the purest characteristics of its origin, delivering wines that speak eloquently of their place and vintage.

Terroir & Vineyard

The vineyard benefits from ideal soil composition, optimal exposition, and a microclimate that favors gradual ripening and aromatic development. The terroir’s unique characteristics—including limestone-rich soils, excellent drainage, and strategic positioning on the slope—create perfect conditions for producing grapes of exceptional concentration and complexity.

Old vines with deep root systems access mineral-rich subsoils, producing fruit of remarkable intensity while maintaining the freshness and balance essential for world-class wine. Hand-harvesting at optimal maturity ensures only the finest fruit enters the cellar.

Appellation
N/A

Vintage
2002

Classification
N/A

Grape Variety
100% Pinot Noir

Region
Burgundy, France

The 2002 Vintage

The 2002 vintage presented ideal growing conditions that allowed for exceptional fruit development and optimal ripeness. Favorable weather throughout the season—balanced sunshine, timely rainfall, and cool nights—preserved natural acidity while achieving full phenolic maturity. The harvest occurred under perfect conditions, yielding grapes of remarkable quality and balance.

This vintage is celebrated for producing wines with both immediate appeal and impressive aging potential, combining generous fruit expression with the structure and complexity that define truly great wine. Critics and collectors alike have praised 2002 for its harmony, depth, and classical character.

Tasting Experience

The nose opens with complex aromatics showcasing ripe fruit, floral notes, and subtle spice, layered with mineral undertones and delicate oak integration.
On the palate, the wine displays excellent balance between fruit intensity, fresh acidity, and refined tannin structure, creating a harmonious and elegant mouthfeel.
The mid-palate reveals impressive depth and concentration, with flavors unfolding in layers—dark berries, exotic spices, earth, and mineral notes that speak to the terroir’s character.
Fine-grained tannins provide structure without heaviness, while vibrant acidity ensures freshness and lift throughout the tasting experience.
The finish is long and persistent, echoing the wine’s aromatic complexity with notes of fruit, spice, and mineral that linger gracefully on the palate.

Service & Food Pairing

Serve at optimal temperature (16-18°C for reds, 10-12°C for whites) in appropriate stemware to showcase the wine’s aromatic complexity and textural refinement. Decanting is recommended to allow the wine to breathe and express its full character, particularly for younger vintages with firm tannin structure.

Exceptional pairings:

Roasted poultry or game birds with seasonal accompaniments
Grilled or braised meats with herb-infused sauces
Wild mushroom dishes with truffle accents
Aged cheeses including Comté, Gruyère, or washed-rind varieties
Refined vegetable preparations showcasing seasonal ingredients

Cellaring & Evolution

This wine is crafted for both current enjoyment and extended cellaring, offering flexibility based on personal preference. For those seeking immediate pleasure, the wine is approachable now with generous fruit and integrated structure. Collectors interested in witnessing full evolution should cellar bottles for 5-10 years, allowing tertiary complexity to emerge while maintaining core vibrancy.

Optimal aging conditions include horizontal storage in a cool (12-14°C), dark environment with stable humidity and minimal vibration. Under proper conditions, the wine will continue to develop gracefully, revealing deeper layers of complexity while preserving the essential character that defines its quality and origin.