Crystal Tasting

[TheEngineer]

Part of a nice tasting. Cristal from several vintages.

1990 Golden in color, I’m thinking that this bottle is more evolved than it should be. It tastes for me closer to a 35 year old champagne but the winery rep stated that this was in keeping with his understanding of the wine. Nose for me was all roasted nuts, hazulnuts specifically, very complex and still rather fresh acidity

1997 very clear, clean, bright, yeasty nose and very fresh. Nice tropical fruits, very pure and showing very very well.

1999 rather floral, slightly toasty, coconut, fleshy nose. On palate much the same, Very drinkable wine but powerful and balanced and very precise. Very enjoyable.

2000 Slightly darker, a bit flabby, Broad nose, almonds, hazelnut, peaches, lush. Very fruity and giving. This is very appealing now but not sure about long term prospects for this one.

2002, very very nice, very balanced, a bit reserved at this point in time but looks like it is hiding a monster. Even at this stage, the wine, while reserved, is broading.

2002 Rose: my favourite of the night. Salmon in color. Wonderful, sublime, good Pinot Noir characteristics.

My favorite was the 2002 Rose. There were a couple of votes for the 1997 but my second fav was the 02. the 02 looks to be a terrific vintage.

[Thomas]

Nice notes, Engineer.

From the title I thought you had found a way to taste glass...

[TheEngineer]

fat fingers

[VouvrayHead]

You just tried 6 bottles of Cristal and call it a "nice" tasting?! Jeesh! I wish I had such pleasantries

[TheEngineer]

about $2000 worth of wines....nice no??

[wondersofwine]

Was this a trade tasting? I'd trade for that!

[TheEngineer]

Nope.

[Kcwhippet]

Hey, Eng. Those two 2002 Cristals you saw last night are the only ones of that vintage in the shop. The rest are the 2000. So, your choice. They're all $199.99.

[TheEngineer]

Thanks KC. Sorry I much rather the 02's butnot under the lights.

Mike

[Kcwhippet]

Eng, Fred came to the rescue. He knew where there were three more of the 02 Cristals hidden in a nook back of the reserve room!! So, it turns out we do have what you wanted, and not kept under lights. You really should meet Fred. He just might know a bit more than Steve, so it would be good to get to know him.

[TheEngineer]

Thanks KC! I'll be by on your shift Sat!

Mike