97

Antonio Galloni

Vinous

The 2014 Cristal is a dark horse, a wine built along linear lines rather than opulence, and from a year that generated very little enthusiasm at the time. A cold, wet summer and attacks from the Suzuki fly at harvest were among the challenges producers dealt with. And yet, the best wines turned out far better than initially expected. Cristal is a terrific example. It exudes energy and tension backed by strong saline accents that confer vibrancy. Stylistically, it reminds me of the 2004 in its build. The long, nuanced finish is a thing of beauty. In this tasting, the 2014 only suffers a bit because of some of the more overt vintages that surround it, but it’s a gorgeous Cristal. Dosage is 7 grams per liter. Disgorged: 2022. März 2023

96

Richard Juhlin

Richard Juhlin

A vintage that trusts more in elegance and purity than anything else. Beautiful pure concentration and fresh elegance characterize the vintage, which is strikingly similar to Bollinger's version of the vintage despite the fact that only 32% is stored in oak barrels. Here, ripe fruit melts sophistically with house-typical silky elegance and ultra-sharp minerality. One of the most impressive young vintages I have tested by Cristal in an ultra-pure and marine imprinted form of the purest chalk with a wonderful scent of magnolia and Jozo as an exceptional elegant spice. 01/2024