From Stephen Reinhardt:
"....60/40 blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from 36 plots in seven grands crus: Verzy, Verzenay, Beaumont and Aÿ for the Pinot Noir and Mesnil, Avize and Cramant for the Chardonnay. Twenty-five percent of the wine was fermented in oak, and 16% underwent malolactic fermentation to moderate the fresh acidity of the 2008 vintage. The assemblage was bottled in May 2009. After 8.5 years on the second lees (longer than any Cristal before), the first release was disgorged in September 2017 with a relatively low dosage of 7.5 grams per liter...."
Characterized by taut crystalline energy, harnessed more elegantly than any champagne I've ever had. There doesn't seem to be a note out of place with this first movement in its symphony of development.
Brilliant cut of chalky minerality balances the purest quality fruit. Lilting brioche, almond and flowers on the nose. Super-fine bead. A thrilling wine that is built to age beautifully, and is deserving of the fanfare surrounding its release.
While the 2008 Dom Pérignon we tried recently was a bit more approachable, the 2008 Cristal is definitely worth checking out now.
Paired nicely with sauteed scallops.
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