Louis Roederer Cristal Millesime Brut 2014 (Gift Box)

The year 2014 was the third excellent vintage in a row, albeit a year of the sort of extremes that have become more frequent in Champagne, producing “a vintage of energy and intensity”.

A dazzling, vibrant Champagne, the 2014 impresses with a stunning combination of fruit density and linear energy that brings to mind a hypothetical blend of 2012 and 2008. At times, the bubbles feel totally wrapped up in waves of creamy, resonant fruit to the point the mousse is barely perceptible, especially with aeration. The flavors are bright and finely sculpted, leaning very much into the citrus, floral and mineral end of the spectrum. The 2014 Cristal is a riveting Champagne. Don’t miss it.

98 points Antonio Galloni vinous.com February 2022

Medium straw-yellow colour, with a super-complex bouquet that summons nougat, almond-iced pastries, peanut brittle and lemon juice. A hint of milk powder. The palate is searingly intense and powered by vivacious lemony acidity, while the creaminess of the mousse is exquisite. The finish is very long and refined, the texture creamy and seamless in its effortless flow. A wonderful wine, but the acidity is challenging solo and it really cries out for food, even something as simple as oysters. I'd give it more time to lose its austerity. (60% pinot noir, 40% chardonnay. 32% vinified in oak. No malolactic. Dosage 7 grams/litre.)

98 points Huon Hooke therealreview.com 1 February 2022