The 2004 Brut Cristal has put on quite a bit of weight since I first tasted it earlier this year. It is a powerful, structured Cristal layered with considerable fruit. Chardonnay seems to play the leading role in 2004, at least today. Cristal is often accessible young, but that is far from the case here. This is a serious, painfully young Cristal that will require considerable patience. Readers who are willing to spend some time with the wine today will find a super-impressive, complete Cristal. The 2004 Cristal is 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay. This is Lot L033331E100008, disgorged January, 2010. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2034.

My visit to these historic cellars earlier in the year was an eye-opening experience. I spent several hours with Chef de Caves Jean-Baptiste Lecaillon tasting through a wide range of 2009s vins claires. Readers may want to take a look at my feature on www.erobertparker.com for more on those wines. The visit was capped off by previews of the 2004 Cristal and the as-yet-unreleased Cristal Rose. Both were superb. Over the last six months the 2004 Cristal has come together beautifully and is shaping up to be a truly great, monumental Champagne. From top to bottom, this is an impressive set of wines. My only real criticism of Roederer is the estate’s insistence on using lot numbers that resemble missile launch codes in their complexity. Surely something simpler must be possible. (Antonio Galloni)

– The Wine Advocate#192, December 2010

What a stunning nose of brioche, toasted baguette and smoke this almost 20-year-old champagne has! Deep base of chalky character wrapped in Amalfi lemon and with savory and salty notes that build in intensity at the long, structured finish. Still many years ahead of it. A cuvee of 53% pinot noir and 47% chardonnay. Tasted at the Cristal vertical tasting at the champagne house on July 6th, 2023. Drink or hold.

Quality 979 | Brand 993 | Economics 871 |

buzz brand
Quality: Predicted life of 12 years, one of the longest drinking windows in its peer group for the 2004 vintage, which averages 7 years Brand: Strong restaurant presence, featuring on 49 of the world's top wine lists, including Jade on 36 Economics: Above its peer group average price of £63 for the 2004 vintage Production:

- www.wine-lister.com, June 2017