1981 Louis Roederer Cristal
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Another highlight in this tasting, the 1981 Cristal is ridiculously great. Powerful and resonant in the glass, yet also nuanced, the 1981 is just starting to show the first signs of full maturity. Candied orange peel, apricot, dried flowers, chamomile and exotic spices all fill out the wine’s ample frame effortlessly. “The 1981 Cristal is really the last wine of the pre-climate change era in which the flavors were concentrated solely because of low yields,” Lécaillon continues. Even without that fascinating background, the 1981 is a stunning Champagne.
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Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
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The 1981 Cristal is one of the biggest surprises of the night. Although it is fully mature, the 1981 is fabulous tonight. Hints of roasted almond, orange peel, caramel and spices suggest a fully mature wine, yet the 1981 has a sense of energy and overall symmetry that is impossible to miss. The 1981 won’t last forever, but it is without question one of the most rewarding vintages to drink today.