Louis Roederer Cristal 1979

Parker: Tasted at the IMW Louis Roederer tasting. Disgorged September 1985. A clear straw colour. The ’79 Cristal has a well defined ripe honeyed, quite toasty nose, touches of melted butter, hazelnut, some mushroom developing with time and a hint of honeycomb/beeswax. Close your eyes: you could imagine this as a red wine! The palate is just superb: vibrant and complex with brioche, honeycomb, lanolin, a touch of marmalade, wonderful tension and weight towards the orange zest and strawberry infused finish. Outstanding. Drink now-2020+ Tasted December 2009. 97/100

Jancis Robinson: Deep copper colour. Very rich and, although it’s a white wine, the colour, and appeal, is awfully similar to that of the 1976 Cristal Rosé! 19/20