Louis Roederer 2014 Cristal Champagne

This is delightful, though a bit zippy in mid-2022. The nose shows a delicate bakeshop note with citrus, white flowers, nectarine, and smoked white berries. The palate shows its predominance of Pinot with great texture and presence and a beguiling mix of the fruits and flavors found in the nose. D&M Tasting Notes

The 2014 Cristal is another in a long line of gorgeous wines from Roederer and long-time Chef de Caves Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon. A dazzling, vibrant Champagne, the 2014 impresses with a stunning combination of fruit density and linear energy that brings to mind a hypothetical blend of 2012 and 2008. At times, the bubbles feel totally wrapped up in waves of creamy, resonant fruit to the point the mousse is barely perceptible, especially with aeration. The flavors are bright and finely sculpted, leaning very much into the citrus, floral and mineral end of the spectrum. 98 PointsVinous, February 2022

This vivid Champagne shows up-front and linear definition, thanks to rapier-like acidity, with finely meshed flavors of ripe black cherry and mandarin orange fruit, raw almond, anise and cardamom spice as well as a touch of honeycomb, which all unfurl and expand on the fine, creamy palate. Sleek acidity continues through to the finish, with additional racy character provided by a streak of minerally saline and chalk, which gains momentum through the midpalate and rings out on the well-cut, lasting finish. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Drink now through 2040.—Alison Napjus 98 PointsWine Spectator, November 2022