Roederer Estate is part of Champagne Louis Roederer’s portfolio of wines. It is located in Anderson Valley within the western corridor of Mencino County, California, Roederer Estate was founded in 1982 by Jean-Claude Rouzaud and in 1988 the first wines were brought to market. All the fruit is sourced from their own estate vineyards. They own 620 acres with about 570 acres in production. Winemaking is under the guidance of French born Arnaud Weyrich.

The inaugural release of Roederer Estate L’Ermitage was in 1989. It is the best expression of tête de cuvée from this property and is only produced in exceptional vintages from pre-selected, estate-grown fruit. This cuvée undergoes extended aging on the lees for five years. The wine is crafted from an equal percentage of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay with 4% of reserve wines from the 2010, 2012 and 2014 vintages.

This tête de cuvée sparkling wine has a sunset salmon glow and a fine cascade of bubbles. Within are detailed aromatics of fresh brioche and white spring flowers. It gracefully opens with undertones of crème de cassis, yellow cherries, caramelized citrus, dried apricot and a whisper of ginger. It flaunts a touch of minerality as it carries you through to a long and complex finish. This is an artistically crafted and stylish rose´that captivates your senses with every sip. A tour de force for winemaker Arnaud Weyrich.

By W Peter Hoyne