Tasting Notes
Vinous 94
Very fresh, complex nose combines soft citrus fruits, toast and minerals, with hints of red berries. Penetrating, bright and very intense, with powerful citrus and mineral flavors that turn sweeter toward the back end. The chewy finish of pear and hazelnut really stains the palate. Ultimately quite pliant and harmonious, in the style of the year.
Robert Parker 93
Aromas of crisp stone fruit, tangerine, macadamia nut and fresh bread introduce the 1997 Cristal, a medium to full-bodied, deep and chiseled Champagne that’s seamless and vibrant, with fine concentration and a pearly mousse. At least from my cellar, this remains a very youthful wine, and it’s clearly one of the "sleeper" vintages of Cristal that is drinking well today.
Anticipated maturity: 2017-2033
Richard Juhlin 95
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.
JancisRobinson.com 18.0
Light honey colour. Very tight bead. Attractively compact and with an acidity level that seemed almost comforting(ly low) after the red bordeaux first growths from the same vintage. Tightly laced with Chardonnay influence in evidence at the moment. No desperate hurry to drink – even if most of it will presumably be drunk by now anyway.
Anticipated maturity: 2005-2012


