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A radiant golden-yellow hue with shimmering glints, the 2012 Cristal immediately shows off a refined, persistent mousse and a beautifully expressive bouquet. On the nose — think candied lemon zest and bright citrus, mingling with white-flower aromas, roasted hazelnut and a hint of Madagascan vanilla. With a little air, it grows more complex: delicate pastry and brioche notes mingle with soft smoky, lees-driven tones from bottle ageing.
On the palate, the wine reveals a concentrated yet elegant character. Crisp orchard and stone fruit — white peach, pear and green apple — underpin a refined minerality and creamy texture, lifted by a taut, chalky backbone and fine acidity. There’s also subtle toastiness, nutty almond undertones and a gentle pastry-cream nuance, giving the wine both richness and finesse.
The finish is long, mineral-tinged and saline, with lingering notes of toasted almond, pastry and a clean, chalky purity. The overall impression is one of power and structure tempered with elegance — a Champagne with serious depth, texture and complexity, meant for both early pleasure and long-term cellar development.
In sum: the 2012 Cristal is a strikingly balanced masterpiece — where vibrant fruit, refined minerality and a silky, mouth-coating texture meet generous depth and crystalline precision. It’s a wine that rewards patience and thoughtfulness, offering both immediate enjoyment and long-term promise.