A magnum, 1.5 litre bottle of Louis Roederer Cristal from the 2009 vintage. It has a brilliant clarity with delicate pale gold nuances, combined with an ultra-fine, persistent, soft effervescence. The immediate aroma is highly expressive of the elegance and precision of Chardonnay; white fruit, sweet pollen, fine citrus fruit and very pure minerality. After a few minutes the aromas develop to more confit, lightly grilled notes, almost becoming generous yet remaining precise and impeccably refined. The impression on the palate is full and creamy, revealing a fine concentration of stone fruits; nectarine, fresh apricot and peach. This silky, textured concentration, which is both dense and soft - and typical of great Pinot Noirs - is intervowen with a sophisticated touch of acidity, bringing the wine alive with minerality. The overriding impression is one of a true harmony of flavours, senses and silky textures...absolute sensuality. Aged an average of 5 years in the cellars, then rested for a further 8 months post disgorgement.
