x
  • Country ranking ?

    631
  • Producer ranking ?

    37
  • Decanting time

    No
  • When to drink

    2020-2035
  • Food Pairing

    Seafood, Salads & Consommes

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The Story

In 1876 when Tsar Alexander II requested that a special cuvée be created for his court Roederer duly obliged, creating what many regard to be the first prestige cuvée. 

As the political situation in Russia was somewhat unstable, Tsar Alexander feared assassination. He ordered that Champagne bottles be made of clear glass, so that he could see the bubbles and to prevent anyone from hiding a bomb within, as could easily happen with a typical ...

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Wine Information

In 1876, a Roederer champagne made for Russia’s Tsar Alexander II became the world’s first luxury cuvée. But with the sudden collapse of the Russian market, the champagne house endured a long struggle on the verge of bankruptcy. Eventually, the family’s shrewd patriarchs managed to turn things around, and today, Roederer is the most solvent of Champagne’s houses; indeed, its future looks Cristal clear.
Roederer is one of the few top champagne...

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Vintage 1989

Champagne: A warm vintage, where simply charming wines were produced. However, there was not enough heat throughout the year. Spring frosts killed some of the shoots, reducing the harvest by 20%. The inflorescences were discontinued due to the exceptionally cold weather. This was followed by the maturation of the grapes in two phases. The first harvest was already made at the beginning of September and the second at the beginning of October. O...

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Latest Pro-tasting notes

21 tasting notes

Tasting note

color

Light, Straw and Bright

ending

Medium, Round and Smooth

flavors

Vanilla, Honey, Truffles, Nutty, Dried-fruit and Spice

nose

Ripe, Modest, Pure and Open

recommend

Yes

taste

Average in Acidity, Low alcohol content, Balanced, Concentrated, Multi-dimensional, Mature, Light, Ripe, Elegant, Fresh and Dry

Verdict

Well-rounded and Well made

Written Notes

Medium-deep yellow colour. Youthful, elegantly toasty nose with fresh floral nuances, nuts and marshmallow. The bouquet is still lean and restrained. Mocha and toffee flavours. Youthful but well-integrated mousse. Harmonious, complex and on its way up. Lovely.

  • 95p
A jero of 1989 Cristal was first, and it was singing out of jero. Fresh, racy, zippy and practically sizzling, the ’89 was a great way to start the afternoon. Corn, straw, butter and minerals were all present in this ‘underrated monster’ of a Champagne, per Bruce. The acidity was extraordinary
  • 96p

Hints of caramel, orange peel, apricot jam and spice run through the 1989 Cristal. Ample, creamy and generous, the 1989 is in great shape today. The slightly forward aromas and flavors suggest the 1989 has arrived at a plateau of maturity. I would prefer to drink it over the next decade or so, although the wine has more than enough density to hold for many years. I have had fresher bottles of the 1989, but this is a fine showing just the same. The 1989 is always a silky, gracious and totally understated Cristal, as it is once again today. “Nineteen eighty-nine was a riper year, and therefore more Pinot-driven, with about 63-64% Pinot in the final blend than the more typical 60%” adds Lécaillon.

  • 94p

The lovely nose of toast and graphite leads to flavors of poached quince, fleur de sel, white cherry, lemon pith and almond skin in this dry and harmonious Champagne. Almost airy and ethereal in texture, yet the finely woven flavor range goes on and on, echoing on the finish.

  • 93p
Bit flat:( This bottle has seen its best days. A warm and rich year with high in tannins. 62% Pinot Noir
  • 91p
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Information

Origin

Reims, Champagne

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