Louis Roederer 2013 Cristal Brut

The Louis Roederer 2013 Cristal is a Champagne of exceptional character, born from a unique vintage defined by nature's late but meticulous orchestration. This golden-hued elixir, with its fine and unwavering effervescence, captivates the senses from the first sip. On the nose, it is an intricate dance of fragrances, where mirabelle plum, ripe nectarines, and candied orange peel mingle harmoniously with the subtlety of finely-roasted hazelnuts. There's a delicate, powdery sweetness, elegantly intertwined with chalky notes, that adds to its allure. As it caresses the palate, this Champagne reveals its power and complexity. It marries the essence of yellow and ripe fruits with a vibrant energy, a testament to the classic nature of the vintage. The bubbles create a gentle, pulsating sensation, transforming into a lush, velvety texture that's both inviting and invigorating. The wine's chalky freshness underlines its elegance, while textured tannins lend a vinous sophistication. The finish, marked by a delightful savoriness and saline notes, echoes the artistry and precision of this exceptional Champagne.

Robert Parker - 98 Points

"I've revisited Roederer's 2013 Cristal four times since I reviewed it in April of this year—including several times from my own cellar—and I had to admit that even my lavish praise didn't do it full justice. Combining the cool-vintage cut of 2008 with the more completely mature fruit of 2012, the 2013 Cristal might well be said to represent the perfect combination of the two from a purist's perspective. The wine unwinds in the glass with notes of crisp orchard fruit, white flowers, almond paste and citrus oil, followed by a medium to full-bodied, seamless and multidimensional palate that's intense but weightless, with racy acids, a pinpoint mousse and a long, penetrating finish. Drink the 2008 Cristal on its own, and you're unlikely—to put it mildly—to have any complaints; but compare it directly with the 2013 and you'll see Roederer's rapid progress in the vineyards writ large."

Antonio Galloni - 97+ Points

"The 2013 Cristal is a wine of extraordinary precision and tension. Searing acids drive a bold, racy Champagne that won’t be ready to offer its best drinking anytime soon. In recent vintages, Cristal has been quite open on release. That is far from the case with the 2013. Readers should plan on being quite patient. The blend is 60% Pinot Noir (from Aÿ, Verzy, Verzenay, Beaumont-sur-Vesle) and 40% Chardonnay (Mesnil, Avize, Cramant). Chef de Caves Jean-Baptiste Lecaillon was especially selective and used only 30 out of the potential 45 plots that are typically available for Cristal. About 32% of the lots were done in oak, the rest in steel, with the malolactic fermentation blocked across the board. It was an October harvest, the sort of harvest that has become increasingly rare in Champagne. Lecaillon describes the summer as similar to 2012, but adds the vines were a month behind in their development. In tasting, the 2013 reminds me of the 1996 in its austerity, even more so than the epic 2008. (Originally published in May 2021)"