This late release Cristal has been kept on the lees a full 12 years and 9 months, and benefited from "poignetage" a shaking with a wrist motion on every bottle before riddiling, which increases lees contact and brings more texture and openness to the champagne. After disgorgement, it has been rested a full four years in the cellar on the cork. It is the best Cristal I have tasted. -Gary Westby, K&L