It is hard to believe that one of the California greats in sparkling wines was founded back in 1982. It was the vision of Jean-Claude Rouzaud, president of Louis Roederer, who saw the cool climate and rolling fog of the Anderson Valley to craft some of the region’s finest sparkling wines. The 580 acre estate produces four sparkling wines: the multi-vintage Roederer Estate Anderson Valley Brut, debuted in 1988, the Brut Rosé and Roederer Estate's vintage tees de cuvee, L'Ermitage and L'Ermitage Rosé.
Great capture of the rolling fog of the Anderson Valley descending on the estate vineyards of Roederer Estate.
Under the current leadership of Jean-Claude’s son, Frédéric Rouzaud, the new wines by Roederer Estate were seriously good across the board. Their winemaking teamselects a portion of the best wines for aging in large French oak casks (1,200 to 1,800 gallons each). Aged on average 4 years, wines from this reserve cellar are added to the blend, creating a multi-vintage cuvée. For L’Ermitage they utilize reserve wines from casks are used at proportions less than 5% to maintain vintage designation. I adored the new NV Roederer Estate ‘Brut Rose’ Sparkling Wine (OB, 91) which is fresh and beautifully textured with a very pretty red fruit profile. Dense, massive and possessing a magical sense of mouthfeel, the 2013 Roederer Estate ‘L’Ermitage’ Sparkling Wine (OB, 95) is a masterclass in California sparkling wine. The range and weight of this wine is truly incredible, as this is a must purchase for any serious collector of new world bubbles. Learn more about this outstanding sparkling wine house at https://roedererestate.com Here are the beautiful new wines by Roederer Estate.
NV Roederer Estate ‘Anderson Valley Brut’ Sparkling Wine- Given 12G/L dosage, this saw two years on the lees before disgorgement. Sourdough bread and yeasty tones combine with baked apple and shades of honeydew melon on the nose. The palate is fresh with a soft mousse. Gravenstein apple flavors are woven together with nutmeg infused Chalah bread, lemon zest and hints of ripe strawberry on the palate. The range here is really good for the price, as this is best enjoyed over the next five to seven years. Drink 2020-2025- 90
NV Roederer Estate ‘Anderson Valley Brut Rose’ Sparkling Wine- A blend of 56% Pinot Noir with the remainder Chardonnay, the Roederer Estate ‘Brut Rose’ was given 11 G/L dosage and was blended with some oak-aged reserve wines before disgorgement. High-toned red fruits mingle with red florals, and shades of wild mushroom on this beautiful bouquet. The palate is fresh and vibrant with a silky mouthfeel. The texture entices as ripe guava and red cherry combine with melon and apple tones on the palate. This has a great sense of balance. Delightful to savor now, this will cellar well over the next five to seven years. Drink 2020-2025- 91
2013 Roederer Estate ‘L'Ermitage Sparkling Wine- The 2013 ‘L’Ermitage’ Sparkling Wine is a sensational new release from a what was a challenging vintage for much of the Anderson Valley. A blend of 52% Chardonnay and 48% Pinot Noir, this saw 8 G/L dosage and included 4% reserve wines. Aged for five years in French oak prior to disgorgement, this shows green apple and baking spices, with nutty undertones on the nose alongside sourdough bread that all takes shape in the glass. The mousse is silky and really entices, as does the rich, oily texture. Kumquat zest and nutmeg infused French bread with, Granny Smith apple, wild mushroom and salted almond flavors all meld marvelously. The exceedingly long finish provides the perfect crescendo, as this beautiful sparkling wine will provide drinking enjoyment for at least another ten to fifteen years — possibly more. Drink 2021-2035- 95