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Best special-occasion Champagne
- Rich, complex flavor
- Will age well
- Expensive
- May not be worth buying to open now
At the high end of the Champagne market, Louis Roederer's Cristal Brut 2004 is an often reviewed wine. It is rated 93 or higher by five trade publications -- more than any other Champagne we found. Wine & Spirits, Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate and Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar all review the 2004 Cristal, and they find it to be an exceptional example of a Champagne; some give the wine a score denoting it as extraordinary and rare.
The reviewers' tasting notes suggest that this wine is rich and dense with a predominantly white fruit flavor. It is also complex, though, with notes of rose, limestone, citrus, roasted nut and toast, as well. All of the reviewers agree this wine will age very well, and it may be worth investing in to save for a special occasion. For buyers who are looking for a more budget-conscious wine to enjoy now, look to Roederer Estate Brut NV (*Est. $20).
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Our Sources
1. Wine & Spirits
Wine & Spirits' panel awards the Louis Roederer Cristal Brut 2004 97 points out of 100, indicating a superlative, rare find. Wine & Spirits tastings are completed by a panel of experts in a blind test. This is the most recent review we found of this wine, suggesting that this review may be the most relevant to purchasers buying 2004 Cristal today. Taster Joshua Greene says the wine is full of energy, with notes of rose, limestone and pale fruit. Greene says the wine will not disappoint if opened now.
Review: Champagne, Joshua Greene, Dec. 2011
A blind taste by editor Bruce Sanderson results in a score of 93 for the Louis Roederer Cristal Brut 2004, meaning it is an outstanding wine by Wine Spectator's standards. Floral, citrus and spice notes are predominant, with a roasted nut and toast aftertaste. Sanderson refers to the 2004 Cristal as "harmonious and well-defined."
Review: Champagne, Bruce Sanderson, Dec. 15, 2010
It's unclear how this tasting was done -- in a panel or alone, blind or not -- but taster Roger Voss gives the Louis Roederer Cristal Brut 2004 a 97. Voss comments on the wine's many layers of fruit flavor and mineral texture. He also notes that it is rich and dense and promises to age well.
Review: Champagne, Roger Voss, Dec. 1, 2010
4. Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate
The Wine Advocate gives the Louis Roederer Cristal Brut 2004 97 points out of 100. According to its ratings scale, a wine of this caliber is extraordinary and worthy of special effort (and, presumably, cost). Antonio Galloni says that in 2010, this was already shaping up to be an excellent vintage with considerable fruit flavor.
Review: Champagne, Antonio Galloni, Dec. 23, 2010
5. Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar
Although it's one of the lower scores given to the Cristal Brut 2004, Josh Raynolds' score of 94 is high. He notes in his November 2010 write-up that the wine was still very young but showed promise. He comments on lemon and orange flavors that most other reviewers do not, and he also mentions a deeper pear flavor and honeysuckle aroma.
Review: Champagne, Josh Raynolds, Nov. 2010