2008 Cristal: This should have been full on decanted for 1-3 hours, probably. Indescribably tight and didn’t must budge in an hour or so. You could see the potential, but it was as if it was through a frosted glass window. Don’t open this for at least another 5 years.

2008 Cristal Rose: More accessible than the Blanc version, but still reticent. Beautiful, elegant, and incredibly aromatic, but wasn’t giving up the goods anytime soon. Try again in 3-5 years.

2013 Cristal: This is a champagne for both now and later. Wide open for business. Lively, fresh, and expressive with a big streak of acidity and egg shell. The finish was extremely long. I think this will age nicely as well. Some people thought it had more potential than the 08 but I think that’s just irrational exuberance. That said, it’s a fantastic champagne with a bright future ahead of it.

2013 Cristal Rose: Stunningly beautiful with so much richness. Strawberry cream and peaches with an endless finish. Bravo. WOTF. I think whether the 08 will be better in the long run is a much fairer question for the rose, but they’ll both be amazing.