Louis Roederer Champagne Cristal Brut (2016)

A breathtakingly precise and complete Cristal with aromas of white peach, Asian pear, golden apple and mirabelle plum, layered with lemon curd, acacia blossom, jasmine and freshly baked brioche. As it opens, there are fascinating notes of gingerbread, roasted citrus, oyster shell and crushed chalk. Full-bodied yet almost weightless in its delivery, with extraordinarily fine bubbles disappearing into a creamy, satin-like texture. The fruit is concentrated and beautifully ripe, but a powerful mineral backbone keeps everything taut and energetic. Salted citrus, white peach and pastry are followed by almond, chalk and subtle iodine. The finish is exceptionally long, saline and crystalline, building slowly rather than simply fading. A profound Champagne that combines richness with extraordinary purity and precision. Magnificent now, but destined for decades of evolution.

98 points James Suckling, 98 points Wine Enthusiast, 98+ Wine Independent, 97 points Decanter, 96+ Wine Advocate, 96 points Wine Spectator and 100 points Jeb Dunnuck.