The sine qua non of Champagne from the greatest vintage of the 21st century thus far, the best since 1990 to be more precise!
Balance and power, potential and depth, a very very fine Cristal.
In 2002, Cristal is 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay with 10 grams of dosage. 20% of the wine was fermented in oak.
This vintage shaped up magnificently over the spring, with no significant frost and near-perfect flowering.
Then followed a summer marked by long, sunny periods interspersed with regular cloudy and rainy spells.
The vines were in good health and the dehydration of the grape berries helped them reach new heights of ripeness. Generally considered one of the best harvests in the last twenty years.
Nose: Subtle notes of pears, flowers, spices, mint, minerals.
Palate: Much like the nose as oak hints are woven into a cashmere-like frame of extraordinary grace and elegance.
Finish: This beautifully-sculpted Champagne possesses notable clarity but with the additional depth of fruit that is characteristic of this vintage.