Louis Roederer Cristal Millesime Brut, Champagne, France 2012 1.5L

Millésimé Brut 2012 is one of the great modern releases of this iconic cuvée, celebrated for its extraordinary concentration, finesse, and seamless balance. Aromas of candied citrus, white peach, apricot, acacia blossom, toasted almond, and delicate brioche rise from the glass with remarkable intensity and purity. The palate is powerful yet effortlessly graceful, layering ripe orchard fruit, lemon curd, chalky minerality, and subtle smoky complexity over an exceptionally fine, persistent mousse. The legendary 2012 vintage brought ideal ripeness and structure, resulting in a Cristal of remarkable precision, depth, and aging potential. Radiant and impeccably composed, this is a profound Champagne that perfectly captures the elegance, energy, and timeless prestige that define Cristal at its finest. "Aromas of clear honey, crisp green orchard fruit, white peach, pastry cream and dried white flowers introduce the 2012 Cristal, a full-bodied, concentrated and powerful wine that's built for the cellar. Broader, more textural and more muscular than the 2008 Cristal, with seemingly even greater reserves of structuring dry extract, the 2012 is incisive and searingly chalky. This is the first Cristal produced exclusively from organically farmed fruit, and it marks the opening of a new chapter for Louis Roderer. The blend is 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay, vinified without malolactic fermentation and disgorged with 7.5 grams per liter dosage. Chef de Caves Jean-Baptiste Lecaillon has once again excelled himself." Wine Advocate 97+