The concept behind the vintage Roederer Estate L’Ermitage is the same one that is used in Louis Roederer Champagne, where only the best of the vintages are selected. These are exceptional wines that create a noble blend that allows for longer aging. This special Tête de Cuvée, is a California sparkling wine made only in exceptional years from pre-selected, estate-growngrapes.

This prestige cuvee from Roederer in Anderson Valley is composed of 52% Chardonnay, 46% Pinot Noir and 2% Pinot Meunier. There is 4.9% aged reserve wine from the 2012 vintage. It remains among the finest of all California sparklers. The medium yellow color boasts of aromas of fresh brioche and almond croissants. The very fine bubbles open to a wine layered with candied white citrus fruits, ginger, tangerine and butter cream. This wine is long and broad on the mid-palate which is a testimony of its ability for long-term aging. There is always an inherent richness to this wine. I have been impressed with this sparkling wine on release and as it ages beyond ten years in the bottle. This wine reveals the true character of the house of Champagne Louis Roederer.

By W Peter Hoyne