This is not just any bottle of fizz; it is a piece of liquid history. Cristal is the ultimate prestige Champagne, famously created in 1876 by Louis Roederer specifically for Tsar Alexander II of Russia. The Tsar demanded his personal Champagne be served in clear glass bottles with a flat bottom to prevent assassins from hiding explosives underneath, a striking design that remains exactly the same today. Made only in the very best years, the 2016 vintage is a breathtaking release. Because it is crafted from vineyards grown on pure, chalky soils, the wine has an incredible, electric energy to it. Pour a glass, and you are met with a brilliant, shimmering golden colour. On the nose, it is wonderfully fragrant, bursting with fresh lemon zest, crisp green orchard fruits, and a comforting, rich aroma of warm toasted almonds and sweet pastry. In the mouth, it is flawlessly smooth and elegant. It perfectly balances a rich, concentrated fruitiness with a mouth-watering, crisp finish that feels incredibly alive and refreshing. While it is the undisputed king of celebration wines, it is also a magnificent partner for food. It is absolutely brilliant alongside fresh oysters, a luxurious platter of smoked salmon, or even a top-tier portion of proper fish and chips. A genuinely spectacular and unforgettable bottle. [#intro]An exceptionally rare, world-class vintage Champagne delivering razor-sharp tension, toasted almonds & vibrant citrus energy...[/intro]