1971 Louis Roederer Cristal

Now gently mellowed by time, the 1971 Cristal is fully mature. Scents of sweet pipe tobacco, ginger, mushroom and caramel give the wine much of its distinct, tertiary personality. A soft, gracious Cristal, the 1971 is best enjoyed sooner rather than later. Despite its considerable palate weight and overall intensity, the 1971 is fading. Given the freshness and overall intensity of the other wines in this tasting, I suspect this is a less than perfect bottle.