Introduction: Cristal Vinothèque 1999 s the remarkable adventure of just a small number of bottles, laid down for 20 years in the Louis Roederer cellars, in the quest for perfect balance. This cuvée was aged for 8 years “sur lattes” (stored horizontally) followed by 8 years “sur pointes” (upside down, vertical position) and benefitted from a further 4 years of rest after disgorgement. “An exceptional wine that is in the midst of a 20 year window of beauty. Late disgorgement has enhanced its aromatic complexity whilst creating this fresh, precise and timeless palate.” – Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon, Chef de Cave Tasting Notes: Bright golden colour. A soft, serene elegant and creamy effervescence. Delicate bouquet blending citrus fruit, candied lemon and a hint of lightly roasted hazelnuts. The purity and simplicity of the Chardonnay dominates the nose with notes of flour and a hint of freshly baked pastries. The Pinot noir, with its texture and concentration of aromas, structures the wine and supports the Chardonnay. What a champagne! The enticing bouquet continues to open up in the glass to reveal its vibrant youth. The palate is captivating, delicious and silky smooth. Its delicate bubbles burst gently on the tongue to bring finesse and freshness to the wine’s powerful texture. The elegant Pinot noir offers up distinctive notes of candied citrus fruit, citron, oriental spices and vanilla. The ‘Cristal’ chalkiness is powerful, precise, mineral and lingers on the powdery, saline finish. Vintage 1999: A stormy and windy year. The season got off to a very early start and was followed by a dry, sunny summer. Fortunately the vines did not suffer from the very rainy weather during the harvest. The 1999 vintage has given us wines that are powerful, concentrated, generous, seductive and succulent with a freshness on entry to the palate that gives way to soft fruit and sweet spice. Winemaking: Pinot Noir 57%, Chardonnay 43% 24% of the wines vinified in oak. No Malolactic Fermentation. For adults of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly.