“Roederer Estate’s winemaking style is based on two elements: ownership of its own vineyards and the addition of oak-aged reserve wines to each year’s blend or cuvée. All the grapes for the Anderson Valley wines are estate grown fruit. Oak-aged wines from the estate’s reserve cellars are added to the blend, creating a multi-vintage cuvée in the traditional Louis Roederer style.”

The sparkling wines from Roederer Estate are clear winners in the quality to price ratio and are always consistent. Winemaker Arnaud Weyrich uses estate grown Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in crafting this cuvée. He prepares a small portion of Pinot Noir that has undergone extended maceration, adding three to five percent to the final blend. This imparts a subtle salmon tinge of color that flaunts an enticing bouquet of fresh bread and dried flowers. Cassis and red plums make up the middle core, which is fresh and inviting. This consistent sparkling wine from Roederer Estate continues to over-deliver in every category and is worthy of having a case in the cellar for an unannounced guest or for a daily libation.

By W Peter Hoyne