Louis Roederer Cristal Brut 2016 Champagne (75cl)

Louis Roederer Cristal 2016 is a Brut Champagne from a cuvée first made in the 19th century for the Tsar of Russia. The blend is 58% Pinot Noir and 42% Chardonnay, a little more Chardonnay than usual, drawn from 32 of the 45 parcels in the Cristal domaine. Pinot comes mainly from Verzy, Verzenay and Aÿ, Chardonnay from Avize, Mesnil and Cramant. Dosage is 7 grams per litre. Citrus oil, white flowers, honeysuckle and wet stones lead on the nose, with a touch of buttery pastry. The palate shows tangerine, blood orange and Meyer lemon, with toast, pastry cream and crystallised honey. The finish is long, fresh and mineral.