ROEDERER CRISTAL
CHAMPAGNE, FRANCE 2018
THE HEADLINE: A 98+-pt. debut for the 2018 Cristal, plus a 100-pt Cristal Rosé library release.
WHY BUY: “Positively stunning,” Vinous wrote, of the new 2018 vintage of Cristal, with a "linear energy and brilliance.” It’s a much-anticipated release, and our allocation is limited, so you’ll want to jump on this. Alongside it, we’ve got three back-vintage beauts: a 98-point Cristal Rosé 2015, plus two 2013s — the 100-point Cristal Rosé and the 98-point Cristal that Vinous promised will reward “readers lucky enough to find it.”
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: The critics swooned over the entire lineup here. The Wine Advocate pronounced the 2013 Rosé in magnum to be perfect, a wine, it wrote, in its 100-point rave, "so utterly pure and precise" that it "soars from the glass with a bouquet of kaleidoscopic complexity." Vinous told readers lucky enough to find the 2013 Cristal in magnum that they "are in for a tremendous drinking experience. Vinous also weighed in on the 97-point 2015 Rosé, and came away in admiration: a "fine, briskly cut” wine, it wrote, and "so vivid in the glass."
OUR TASTING NOTES: The 2018 more than justifies the buzz. We loved the nose, with its hints of bosc pear, quince, honeycomb, and trailing all of these, a gorgeous whiff of warm brioche. This is a taut and nervy Cristal, with a mouthwatering richness that lingers on and on. The two 2013 magnums are commanding presences, albeit in different ways: the Cristal is deeper and rounder, and its profile is as evocative as Cristal gets, taking you from toasted almond to baked apple, and leaving you with just a drizzle of honey on the finish; the Rosé, meanwhile, is so seamless that the bubbles seem to vanish before you notice them, and so fully realized that you find yourself just siting there and giving silent thanks for your good fortune, that you’re able to experience a rosé like this. And talk about expressiveness: it’s vibrant and alive with cherry, blood orange, and toast. And remember: magnums age slowly, so these are just hitting their stride. The 2015 Rosé is all wild strawberry and raspberry, cool and crisp, and so companionable that you’ll reach for it for any number of meals, and want to pour a glass while you cook.
THE STORY: Roederer has been making Champagne since British America became the United States, but the 2018 vintage marks an intriguing turn. Warmer seasons now bring earlier harvests and riper fruit, and cellar master Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon says he has stopped trying to make every vintage taste the same. "House style is not a target anymore," he said. "It's a consequence." Instead of blending away a year's character, Roederer now aims to let it show. The operational focus has shifted from acidity to freshness, salinity, and texture. Cristal draws on 57 parcels, and in the best vintages most of them make it into the blend. With the arrival of this 2018, we get to taste what that philosophy translates to.
WHAT TO PAIR THEM WITH: Caviar and oysters are the obvious partners when it comes to these wines, and for good reason. But don’t let that box you in. The 2018 is lovely with crudo or a plate of langoustines; the Rosés are wonderful with grilled salmon or pan-seared duck breast.
FUN FACT: Ever wondered why Cristal is sold in clear, flat-bottomed bottles? The wine was created in 1876 for Tsar Alexander II, who demanded this bottle design and transparency. Why? So no one could hide a bomb inside.
OUR GUARANTEE: As always, we only buy and source directly from the producer to ensure pristine provenance. Supplies of the 2018 vintage are limited, so secure yours today!
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Spring 2027. With the supply chain issues that we are seeing globally, there may be some unforeseen delays which could affect the ETA. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer not valid in KS, MI, NY, OK & TN. This offer is for TWO WEEKS, or until sold out, and will expire on Tuesday, October 27th, 2026.