Louis Roederer Cristal brut 1985
€195.00*
1 Available immediately
Filling level into neck, label and capsule very good.
Product information
Louis Roederer Cristal Brut 1985
The Louis Roederer Cristal Brut 1985 is regarded as a legendary vintage and a benchmark for matured champagne. It combines power with maturity and was awarded100 points by a critic at the historic Millennium tasting in Stockholm .
🍾 Vintage & Vinification
The 1985 vintage in Champagne was marked by severe frost, which significantly reduced yields. According to cellar master Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon, the difficult growing season led to a high proportion of stems relative to the fruit, which initially resulted in green, bitter notes during pressing. However, these characteristics ultimately proved to be ‘quite good for ageing’.
The cuvée consists of approximately 57% Pinot Noir and 43% Chardonnay – a classic Cristal blend that lends structure and finesse.
📝 Tasting notes
With age, the wine displays a complex profile:
Aromas: light caramel notes, baked apple, apricot and mango, along with smoky and toasty notes and hints of crème caramel. Matured bottles may reveal nuances of orange, clove and brioche.
Palate:‘ ’ – powerful and resonant, yet particularly opulent. The wine is creamy,harmonious and silky, with refreshing acidity. Aromas of green apple, lime leaf and a mineral note lead into an exceptionally long finish.
🏆 Critics’ ratings
| Critic / Publication | Rating | Impression |
|---|---|---|
| Vinous (Antonio Galloni) | 95 | “Powerful and resonant … a particularly opulent Cristal with attractive smoky and toasty notes, as well as exceptional balance.” |
| Wine Advocate (Robert Parker) | 91–93 | After 25 years, “wonderfully balanced and still very fresh”, with an “almost Puligny-like finish”. |
| Jancis Robinson, MW | 19.5/20 | ‘A very rich, biscuit-like nose. An astonishing combination of elegance and weight … very complete and flattering.’ |
| Richard Juhlin | 94 | “An aristocratic champagne with a wonderfully long finish of crème caramel.” |
| Serena Sutcliffe, MW | 100 | A perfect score at the Millennium tasting in Stockholm; in 2016, she confirmed it as “still a superb, beautiful wine that combines maturity with freshness”. |
💰 Market & auction prices
As a mature, rare vintage, the 1985 Cristal is primarily traded at auctions. Its value depends heavily on bottle size and provenance; magnum bottles are particularly sought after.
Magnum: €1,202 at an iDealwine auction in February 2026 – equivalent to€601 per 750-ml bottle (a 14 per cent increase).
Single bottle: Estimated at $750 at Spectrum Wine.
Lot of 4 bottles:$ ,105.7 at Christie’s.
Magnum: Estimated at $1,044.56 at Barnebys.
Conclusion: The 1985 Cristal is a highly regarded, opulent Champagne that is now drinking well – particularly from the magnum. Critical acclaim, historical significance and rarity make it a sought-after item for collectors of matured Champagnes.
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Alcohol: | 14 |
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Colour: | white |
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Country: | France |
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Filling quantity: | 750 ml |
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Flavour: | dry |
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Grape variety: | Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier |
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Product type: | Sparkling wine |
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Region: | Champagne |
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Type of wine: | Champagne |
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Vintage: | 1985 |
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Producer: | Roederer Louis |
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Allergens: Sulphites
Bottler: Producer