x
  • Country ranking ?

    996
  • Producer ranking ?

    78
  • 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 champ...

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Vintage 1997

A cold winter was followed by significant spring frosts. The early summer was warm, but cool weather and rain persisted throughout the flowering period. Summer ended with warm temperatures, lending some hot-year characteristics to the year's wines even if acidity remained high at 8.5 g/l. Rot played a role in some vineyards. A small harvest (9,402 kg/ha) was picked from September 12th onwards. The 1997 vintage was rather overlooked, following ...

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Tasting note

color

Light, Green-Yellow and Bright

ending

Long, Flavorful, Smooth and Harsh

flavors

Mineral, Citrus, White fruits, Herbs, Bread and Toasty

nose

Closed, Seductive, Refined and Intense

recommend

Yes

taste

High in Acidity, Low alcohol content, Balanced, Well-structured, Complex, Youthful, Light, Firm, Toasty, Elegant, Dry and Silky tannins

Verdict

Fine and nice but not special

Written Notes

The 1997 vintage has been suffering throughout its existence from its unfortunate destiny of being the successor to the superb 1996. It was a good year with less structure but charming fruitiness offering enjoyable purchases for mid-term drinking. Cristal is never a wine that comes around young, and the 1997 is no exception.

Bright yellow colour and small-sized energetic bubbles. The nose is somewhat closed. Aromas of green apples and green asparagus and some yeasty notes are detectable. Mouth filling mousse and refreshing firm acidity. Aromas of lemon and herbs complement the rich body. Edgy finish with high mineral and green aroma character. A closed wine that requires more years in the bottle to open and show its full potential.

  • 95p
It's hardly surprising that Roederer, with its brilliant vineyards, has succeeded so well in 1997. Cristal, of course, is a star as usual, with layers of fat, oily tastes. Honey, vanilla, exotic fruit, and cakes sound trivial for a wine with this complexity and elegance—so let's just enjoy this delicious tidbit without analyzing its beauty to death.
  • 94p

Bright yellow colour and small-sized energetic bubbles. The nose is somewhat closed. Aromas of green apples and green asparagus and some yeasty notes are detectable. Mouthfilling mousse and refreshing firm acidity. Aromas of lemon and herbs complement the rich body. Edgy finish with high mineral and green aroma character. A closed wine that requires further years in the bottle to open and show its full potential.

  • 96p
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Information

Origin

Reims, Champagne

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