Louis Roederer Cristal 2018, a Pinot Noir-led vintage of the house's iconic prestige cuvée.

Cristal 2018 blends 57% Pinot Noir and 43% Chardonnay from 57 lieux-dits in Verzenay, Verzy, Beaumont-sur-Vesle, Aÿ, Avize, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger and Cramant, all from Roederer's own organically farmed vineyards. 2018 was hot, dry and sunny, with a summer that broke the records set in 2003, and harvest ran from August 27 to September 8. To hold on to freshness, Chef de Caves Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon reached beyond the usual 45 Cristal parcels, skipped malolactic fermentation, vinified 28% of the wines in oak and finished it with a 7 g/L dosage. Antonio Galloni of Vinous (98+ points) calls it "a Cristal unlike any other I have tasted," and Wine Spectator (98 points) praises "a firm spine of vivid acidity." Wine Spectator rates it drinkable now through 2048, while Galloni's window runs from 2028 to 2068. 12.5% ABV, 750ml.