Louis Roederer Cristal 1999

The exceptional maturity of the harvest (lowest acidity since 1959), along with the quality and quantity was reminiscent of great vintages like 1970 and 1982. In the Côte des Blancs, grape harvesting began on 14 September, while in the Marne Valley, Louis Roederer started two days before everyone else. Average degree levels varied between 10 and 12.5 °C, and the grapes were beautifully healthy. In the Montagne de Reims, everything began on 20 September. During this time, the more abundant plots continued to ripen. Yields from the vineyards of Verzenay and Verzy were close to record levels. As in the Côte des Blancs, weather conditions in August and early September made quality compatible with high yield, thus promising a great vintage. Disgorged 2011. 57% Pinot Noir. Dosage 8 g/l with the same wine. Lovely richness on the nose with real spread of crème pâtissière but very tight and refreshing too. Very satisfying. At peak and very flattering. Long and fresh. Spreads opulently but not dully across the palate. So complete. Such lovely neatness.