One does not have to be a rock star to enjoy Cristal, but it does help to have deep pockets. The wine is a beauty, and always has been, so its great success with us should come as no surprise. We love its rich, creme brulee, apple and cherry notes tied to toasted biscuits and hints of chalk and minerals. It has a wealth of tiny bubbles and is creamy and smooth across the palate. Its mix of richness and refinement makes it into one of the more sophisticated wines in the tasting.

Light gold. Vibrant, tangy aromas of apple, pear, white peach and minerals. Wound tight right now, only reluctantly offering up flavors of fresh orchard fruits, herbs and pepper. Finishes zesty and long. Seems less deep than the 1997 bottling; is this just in a sullen, youthful stage?

Rating for France-Champagne: 87 (slightly worse than average year)<br/><br/>Drinkability: young, aging quickly, could be good now<br/>

WA98 drink N/A One of the finest Champagnes I have ever brought to my lips, the 1999 Cristal bursts from the glass with fresh hazelnut and apple scents. Elegant, deep, and silky-textured, this medium to full-bodied beauty is immensely concentrated, pure, packed with apple flavors, and astoundingly long in the finish. Louis Roederer does not display a disgorgement date or consumer friendly lot number on its non-vintage Brut. This is regrettable as it has consistently been one of the finer bottlings in this category.