Louis Roederer Cristal Brut 1996

Lustrous pale gold appearance. Very expressive nose, with an intensely floral bouquet fragrant with scents of almonds, hazelnuts and white flowers. A generous, rounded, creamy attack followed by a touch of acidity to mark a finish of elegant persistence. Light, fresh, undoubtedly a wine of admirable magnitude with time. A wine in keeping with the Cristal tradition, bearing all the hallmarks of a timeless pedigree influenced by the slight austerity yet elegant vinosity of the 1994 vintage. Cuvee Cristal is the ideal accompaniment to foods of great delicacy, particularly caviar, fish and read more...sea-food such as John Dory, prepared oysters, scallops, lobster and crayfish.    (hide)

Rating: 95/100 - As reviewed by The Wine Advocate

Rating: 95/100 - As reviewed by Wine & Spirits Magazine

Got this as a gift once and loved it!

December 2007

The jewel of the House, the vintage Cristal, the most beautiful expression of Champagne, was created in 1876 for the Tsar Alexander II.It remains faithful to the inspiration of origin, namely embodying elegance and purity. A gleaming pale gold color, with a fine foam and an elegant cord of bubbles. It has an eloquent, intense, delicate nose, with almond flavors, and constant fresh white flowers. It has a full, consistent attack, with remarkable balance, near gossamer-like smoothness, and an extraordinary length. Serve with the more refined dishes: caviar, fish, and shellfish such as lobster, read more...and spiny lobster. Cristal comes from the strictest criteria of development, which require a drastic selection of the cru, villages, grapes, and finally, of the wines. Only Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays from the House's ten most famous crus are retained.    (hide)

Rating: 94/100 - As reviewed by Wine Spectator on 11/30/03