To the eye, a pastel pink colour with bright, slightly orange glints. Fine, light bubbles in a long-lasting flow.

On the nose, the bouquet is delicate and subtle, with elegant fruitiness (red fruits: strawberry, fig), zesty hints (citrus fruit: lemon and orange) and juicier nuances such as vine peach. There is a deep, slightly sweet burst of aromas.

In the mouth, the bite is young, springlike and energetic: full-bodied and silky, but based on very mineral freshness. This mineral quality is typical for Cristal Rosé, expressing the chalkiness and saltiness of the Aÿ terroir. The second mouth has airy notes and great aromatic purity, displaying the discrete power of this great cuvée. On airing, a few traces of Danish pastry and lightly roasted dried fruits hint at its enormous capacity for change.

Cristal Rosé 2004 is a fine example of the quest for perfect elegance underlying the creation of this cuvée. It offers an encounter which is a moment of pure delight! Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon.

60% Pinot noir – 40% Chardonnay – 20% of the wines vinified in oak barrels with weekly batonnage. No malolactic fermentation. To create Rosé champagnes, Louis Roederer still uses the saignée method after cold maceration that can last 5 to 8 days in the liquid phase.

Cristal Rosé is matured 6 years in the cellar and rests for 8 months after disgorgement to perfect its maturity.

Dosage: between 8 and 10 g/l is adapted to each vintage.

This is fantastic with lobster and beluga caviar, or a gourmet salad: lobster and foie gras. It also works with seared salmon or poached sea trout.

Still a baby, the 2004 Cristal Rosé has begun to put on considerable weight over the last few years, which only serves to balance the focus and tension that have always been present. Even at eleven years of age, the 2004 Cristal Rosé remains tightly wound and a touch austere at times. Hints of orange peel, white pepper and cranberry add an exotic flair on the deeply expressive finish. Readers who can find the 2004 should not hesitate, as it is simply stunning by any measure.

— Antonio Galloni

98+/100 (May 2015)

The 2004 Louis Roeder Cristal Rose Champagne was Voted Supreme World Champion in 2015.

Fresh, smooth, extremely vibrant, with scents of citrus, strawberries on the palate as you taste this fantastic Rose. It would be a crime to drink this wonderful Champagne so young but in the name of research and tasting … one simply cannot resist!

Perfect balance, smoothness, finesse, and epic precise bubbles make this a joy on its own, sweet aromas of blueberries, raspberry, pepper, spices, dried nuts, and pastry.

Was enjoyed on this occasion with lobster salad followed by a wonderful assorted plate of Wild Smoked Salmon, Jamon de Bellota, and Cured Manchego cheese. For dessert was enjoyed with a beautiful apple crumble.

— Alex_Champagne

98+/100 (July 2015)