A golden colour with a fine stream of bubbles, a nose with citrus and almonds. On the palate delicate orchard fruits and light lime and citrus combine to form a complex mid palate full of depth. A great acidity throughout with a strong lasting finish.

As the largest independent family-managed Champagne producer, Louis Roederer rank amongst the region's absolute finest. Established in 1776, the House today is managed by seventh generation family member Frédéric Rouzaud alongside long-time Chef de Cave and Champagne legend Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon. They own an astounding 242 hectares of vineyards many in chalk rich Grand Cru villages covering two-thirds of their grape requirements. Roederer have become pioneers in biodynamic farming & by 2012 all 78 hectares the “Cristal Estates” are farmed using biodynamic methods. By 2021 Roederer have 115 hectares certified organic. All the grapes in Cristal & other vintage cuvee’s come from their own vineyards. The estate is made up of 410 plots which are fermented separately in one of the 450 stainless steel tanks in their Reims cellars. In 2020 Roederer replaced Brut Premier with “Collection” allowing each years non-vintage blend to be identified and “re-engineering” the non-vintage cuvee to maintain freshness in the light of global warming on the Champagne region. Today Cristal is, widely recognised as the world's most awarded prestige cuvée champagne.

The 2005 vintage was unpredictable and full of contrasts. The weather was mostly warm with little rain, however a heatwave in August followed by a cool and rainy September moderated initial anticipation. In the end, a drastic selection in the vineyard ensured a limited volume of exceptional quality and indeed, 2005 was an extremely short vintage.

Vineyards: 100% Grand Cru
Grape Varieties: 55% Pinot Noir, 45% Chardonnay
Ageing: 6 years on the lees
Disgorged: 2012
Dosage: 9 g/l
Drink: Now to 2035

"This Cristal 2005 stands out from all other Cristal vintages due to its aromatic openness and typical “Chardonnay” character." — Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon, Cellar Master