Roederer/Louis Brut Champagne Cristal 1996

100 points Peter Moser (Falstaff): "(from magnum) Light greenish-yellow, golden shimmers, very lively, fine mousse. Alluring bouquet with nuances of honeydew melon, white tropical fruit, a floral touch like Scotch broom, notes of fresh pear, mineral, multi-faceted bouquet. Composed, elegant, ripe peach-pineapple nuances, elegant structure, saline, delicate nuances of roasted nutty aromas, a subtle honey touch on the finish. Seems immensely youthful, with further potential for maturation, a perfect, distinguishable Cristal from top to toe. Alcohol 12%. (3/12/20)"

98 points Michael Edwards (Decanter): "A dazzling achievement in a tricky year. Emphatic punch of acidity has been moulded into electric energy and thrust, while keeping the saline vinosity. Exceptional. Drinking Window: 2020-2030."

97-98 points Essi Avellan, MW: "(55% Pinot Noir, 45% Chardonnay). Elegant, soft, restrained, toffee and red apple nose with super-stylish underlying spiciness. Glossy bright fruit on the palate, energetic, linear, tart, succulent. Bursting with radiant fruit. The ending is long, juicy, refined. Just as mouth-watering and racy as you would imagine Cristal from the uniquely ripe yet acidic vintage to be. Still an infant, give it time. (Aug 2016)"

97 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 1996 Cristal is another highlight in a tasting full of thrilling wines. Cristal is all about finesse, nuance and understatement, all of which come through in spades here. Hints of apricot jam and wild flowers are laced into the soft, super-expressive finish. Drink: 2014-2030. (Oct 2014)"

96 points Richard Juhlin (Champagne Club): "55% Pinot Noir, 45% Chardonnay. Magnum! Still pale straw. Really exciting interest on the nose. Hints of gingerbread and electricity(!). Such creamy texture and some baked apples but real grip and tension. This is just coming into its own – demonstrating how long one should ideally wait for Cristal… Great undertow of both fruit and structure. Drink between 2013-2028. (Jun 2019)"

19/20 points Jancis Robinson, MW: "55% Pinot Noir, 45% Chardonnay. Magnum! Still pale straw. Really exciting interest on the nose. Hints of gingerbread and electricity(!). Such creamy texture and some baked apples but real grip and tension. This is just coming into its own – demonstrating how long one should ideally wait for Cristal… Great undertow of both fruit and structure. Drinking Window: 2013-2028. (6/22/16)"