The 2012 Louis Roederer Cristal marks a significant milestone as the first vintage where the grapes were entirely sourced from biodynamically and organically farmed vineyards, making it an important step for the esteemed Champagne house. Despite 2012 being a challenging year in Champagne, low yields ultimately led to wines of remarkable richness, full-bodied character, and structure. This vintage is a blend of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay, with 32% of the fermentation occurring in wood vats. In the glass, expect a medium golden color, clear and bright, with a fine mousse of thick, tiny bubbles. The aromas are rich and complex, featuring notes of zesty and candied lemon, white flowers, roasted hazelnut, and Madagascar vanilla. With aeration, the bouquet evolves to reveal hints of fresh pastries and smoky notes from bottle aging. On the palate, it's delicious, concentrated, and chalky, displaying incredible tension and aromatic precision. The attack is powerful and distinctive, leading to a silky, mouth-coating texture. While youthful, it offers flavors of lemon, green apple, toast, and chalk, with bright acidity and subtle accents of spice and toasty brioche. With more air, it develops into a super rich, creamy, and full-bodied Champagne with notes of yellow peach, pear, nectarine, and a streak of honey. 🍴 Food pairing suggestions: This elegant Champagne is wonderfully versatile, pairing well with most foods. It's particularly exceptional with shellfish, especially steamed lobster in a savory white wine reduction sauce, king crab, or salmon. 🥂 Event suggestions: The 2012 Cristal is perfect for special celebrations and elegant occasions. While it can be enjoyed now, it is still impressively young and will continue to evolve beautifully, with recommendations to drink from 2023 onwards and cellar for another ten to fifteen years or more. Decanting for about 20 minutes can enhance its expression. 【 First 100% biodynamic Cristal, an important milestone vintage 】