Louis Roederer Cristal Champagne Vintage 2006

Glistening color with light amber highlights, indicating a year of very fine ripeness. Soft, almost timid bubbles,in a fine, slow and steady flow. There is a rich bouquet with confit fruit (lemon, orange), white flowers (lilies)and lightly roasted nuts (hazelnuts and almonds). On airing, the dominant fruitiness becomes intense, almost explosive: a sabayon of vine peaches, apricots, melon and mango. The mouth features a rounded, complex ballet of fruit. The texture is incredibly concentrated, giving the impression of biting into a ripe, fleshy fruit.The palate is enveloped by this depth of juicy, creamy, silky fruit, which soon makes way for a pure, sharp,graceful freshness. A transition follows from ripe fruit to a clear, light, delicate environment. Ripeness,softness and concentration arise from freshness and mineral quality, transforming the ripe fruit into a slightly sharp citrus flavor; the warmer notes make way for flowers, citrus zests and nuts. After this rapid succession of flavors, there is a lasting impression of harmony: the aromas, flavors, slight bitterness and freshness come in just the right proportions, intermingling to form a perfectly integrated yet complex whole.