2015 Louis Roederer Cristal Brut, Champagne

For the warm and dry vintage this has tremendous freshness and elegance. The complex nose of citrus blossom, mint, lemon and lime zest opens up slowly as this aerates in the glass. The wine’s ample structure is still quite firm, which is a vintage characteristic, the mousse very fine but also very lively for an eight-year-old champagne. Cristal fans will love this as it is, but a year or two more in the bottle will do a lot for the very long mineral finish of this youthful masterpiece. A cuvee of 60% pinot noir and 40% chardonnay, picked from all 45 Cristal vineyard plots. Tasted at the Cristal vertical tasting at the champagne house on July 6th, 2023. Drink from release.

97 points jamessuckling.com

I have tasted the 2015 Cristal three times so far - once as part of an extensive vertical I will be reporting on shortly, and then later in my office. Those tastings paint a portrait of a complex Champagne that is still finding its center. Tasted at the maison, the 2015 is rich, dense and explosive, with tremendous textural intensity and also a good bit of energy to back it up. Citrus confit, spice, ginger, chalk and dried flowers abound in a Champagne endowed with tremendous aromatic presence in a style that offers notable richness, but lighter than vintages such as 2012. There is a bit of the savoriness that is such a signature of the year, but it is nicely integrated in the wine’s fabric.

96 points Antonio Galloni vinous.com

An open and inviting nose references cream, oatmeal and Amalfi lemon with the slightest edge of smoke. The palate immediately strikes with a mouthwatering lemon ripeness and a juicy, mouthfilling generosity reminiscent of yellow plum. It stays true to the trademark sleekness of Cristal and speaks of the concentration of 2015. Fine mousse accentuates the fullness and roundness of the wine while the long finish hints at chalky depth which, for now, is dominated by ripe stone fruit and more of that textured, rich notion of oatmeal. Definitely a Cristal to enjoy soon

95 points decanter.com

I had the opportunity to taste the 2015 Champagne Cristal twice, both at the house in Reims as well as at my home office. On both occasions, the wine offered a terrific balance of decadence and notable freshness for this vintage, which was highly expressive on opening. The release reveals layered custardy notes of lemon balm, incense, apricot, and hazelnut. Medium to full-bodied, the mousse is fluffy and rounded out beautifully through the palate. Round and approachable, it has a well-managed richness along with underlying savory sapidity and saline to keep this going over the coming three or more decades, with a chalky tannin structure to support it. Drink 2025-2050. This was only the second vintage where Mr. Lécaillon opted to source from all of the 45 plots dedicated to Cristal. (Since then, he chose to draw from even more plots for the 2018.)

96 points jebdunnuck.com

The 2015 Louis Roederer Cristal Brut is an exceptional champagne that embodies elegance, finesse, and the highest level of craftsmanship from one of the most prestigious champagne houses in the world. Louis Roederer, established in 1776, has been synonymous with producing some of the finest champagnes, and Cristal is their flagship cuvée. The 2015 vintage of Cristal is a reflection of the house's commitment to quality, with this particular release being defined by its perfect balance of fruit, freshness, and complexity.

Cristal is a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Louis Roederer's best Grand Cru vineyards, particularly in the Champagne region’s most famous villages, such as Aÿ and Grand Cru sites in the Montagne de Reims. The 2015 vintage benefits from the warm growing season, which allowed the grapes to ripen fully, producing a wine with incredible richness and a finely tuned balance. The wine undergoes traditional fermentation and aging processes, with a long period spent on lees to enhance its complexity and mouthfeel.

In the glass, the 2015 Louis Roederer Cristal Brut has a radiant golden hue with fine, persistent bubbles, which immediately signal its exceptional quality. The nose is complex and expressive, offering vibrant aromas of citrus fruits, such as lemon, grapefruit, and a hint of orange zest, along with fresh white flowers, almond, and subtle notes of honey and brioche from extended aging. The mineral undertones reflect the chalky soils of the Grand Cru vineyards and add depth and sophistication to the bouquet.

On the palate, Cristal Brut 2015 is full-bodied with a creamy texture and an elegant mousse. The citrus and stone fruit flavors are vibrant and precise, with layers of lemon, peach, and a touch of green apple. The wine's complexity is enhanced by a light, nutty character, along with a gentle toastiness and hints of vanilla, which add to the wine’s richness without overshadowing its freshness. The balance between the fruit, acidity, and mineral notes is impeccable, leading to a long and satisfying finish that leaves a lingering note of citrus zest and a slight almond nuttiness.

The 2015 Louis Roederer Cristal Brut is an extraordinary champagne that pairs beautifully with a wide range of fine foods. Its freshness and elegance make it an ideal match for seafood, such as oysters, lobster, or caviar. It also pairs beautifully with dishes like roasted chicken, creamy pastas, or a selection of soft cheeses, making it an ideal choice for celebratory occasions or fine dining.