Louis Roederer Cristal Brut Millesime 2005 (WE97)

Wine Enthusiast 97

James Suckling 96

The complexity and youthful freshness here makes a striking Champagne that offers immense pleasure and a certain richness and depth that reflects the style of the vintage with some warmth reflected in the wine. The nose has rich citrus and stone fruits, some white flowers, light creamy honey notes and fresh sweet pastry, it has a toasty thread that has built quickly in the wine. Plenty of body on the palate, it has a wealth of assertive citrus and more exotic fruits too, the power and concentration undeniable, the length impressive and the balance impeccable. Already great drinking here. Slightly higher Chardonnay component at around 45%.

Wine Spectator 94

Vibrant and mouthwatering, this offers a range of patisserie pear and apple fruit, candied lemon zest, pastry dough and marzipan notes set on a finely detailed texture, which imparts a great deal of finesse. The lasting finish echoes a smoky mineral note.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 93

The 2005 Cristal stands out for its exceptional inner perfume and elegance. Soft, delicate and pretty, the 2005 is a relatively immediate Cristal with all of the signatures very much in the right place. The 2005 doesn’t have the opulence of the 2002 nor the focus of the 2004, but it is a very pretty, if somewhat small-scaled version of this iconic Champagne. I would drink the 2005 while the 2002 and 2004 age. Although Cristal has an impeccable track record when it comes to aging, personally I would not push it with the 2005.

Jancis Robinson 18/20

Magnum. So powerfully scented that it perfumed the room on opening. Meaty, savoury nose. Not at all sweet. Bone dry and upright somehow. Very appetising - not at all rich. A seriously good aperitif Champagne though not one of the most concentrated Cristals. Impressive persistence though. 18/20 points.