2013 Louis Roederer, Cristal - Champagne Rosé - 1 Bottle (0.75L)

Tasting Notes (Cristal Rosé 2013)
Crafted from a selection of Grand Cru Pinot Noir (56%) and Chardonnay (44%) through infusion/maceration techniques, and aged for 8 years on the lees:
Appearance: Pale, brilliant pink with salmon or copper reflections. Extremely fine, dense, and persistent perlage.
Nose: Elegant, complex, and layered. Features notes of tart red berries (redcurrant, raspberry, strawberry), orange blossom, citrus peel (blood orange, mandarin), toasted brioche, candied ginger, dried fruit, and a pronounced chalky mineral footprint.
Palate: Silky, soft, and creamy entry. Displays remarkable balance and precision, driven by vibrant acidity and a taut salinity. The finish is remarkably long, fresh, and velvety.
International Critic Scores
The 2013 Cristal Rosé vintage has been unanimously acclaimed as one of the finest Champagnes of its era:
Critic / Publication Score
Robert Parker (Wine Advocate) 99 / 100
Decanter 99 / 100
James Suckling 99 / 100
Vinous (Antonio Galloni) 98 / 100
Jeb Dunnuck 98 / 100
Wine Spectator 97 / 100
Wine Enthusiast 97 / 100
La Revue du Vin de France (RVF) 96 / 100
History of Maison Louis Roederer & The Birth of Cristal
Foundation and Heritage: Founded in 1776 in Reims, the house took the name Louis Roederer in 1833 when Louis Roederer inherited the company from his uncle. Unlike many other houses, Roederer chose early on in the 19th century to purchase top Grand Cru and Premier Cru vineyards directly, ensuring full control over raw material quality.
The Creation of Cristal (1876): Cristal was created in 1876 at the explicit request of Tsar Alexander II of Russia. Fearing assassination attempts and wanting a unique Champagne for his table, the Tsar requested that the wine be bottled in clear, flat-bottomed lead crystal bottles (hence the name Cristal) to easily check for hidden explosives or poison.
The Creation of Cristal Rosé (1974): The Rosé version was introduced nearly a century later in 1974 by Jean-Claude Rouzaud, combining cold maceration/infusion of Pinot Noir into Chardonnay musts to extract color and elegance without harsh tannins.
Independence and Sustainability: Today, Louis Roederer remains one of the rare prestige Champagne houses that is still completely family-owned and independent. In recent decades, it has stood out for its commitment to biodynamic and organic farming across its vineyards.