Ratings and Reviews

“When Jean-Claude Rouzaud searched out a site for Roederer’s California sparkling wine estate, he settled on a cool spot for chardonnay and pinot noir — where vines could deliver flavor depth in their grapes before sugars rose to levels unsuited for sparkling wine. This 2011 is a vindication of that decision, a fragrant, elegant sparkling wine from a cool season, with flavor depth that sets it apart. Notes of fresh apple, honeysuckle and jasmine layer over an herbal austerity that tightens up the wine’s fruit, ending savory. That length of flavor is amplified by a small addition of reserve wines (four percent), aged five years in oak. Arnaud Weyrich blended it in a style formed and determined by its site, resulting in an honest, clean sparkler destined to become a classic.”

“Opulent and lush, but elegantly complex, with vivid fresh ginger, cinnamon roll and red berry aromas opening to rich, seamless apple and almond flavors that unfurl on the long finish. Drink now. 2,845 cases made.”

“Dry and nicely mature, this complex wine is always among California’s best bubblies. It combines great balance, tiny bubbles and some very interesting flavors that make it as appealing as a well-cellared white Burgundy at its peak. Hints of toast, butter and almond fill the aroma, and lemon, crisp apple and baking spices fill the palate. It has lively acidity that’s softened by a good sense of body.”

“This nearly 50 – 50 blend of Pinot and Chardonnay offers toasty brioche character and a creamy mousse, thanks to extended time in bottle on the lees. Subtle spiced-pear and apricot flavors over a rich and creamy but focused texture, baked-bread depth, and a long finish.”

“A luxurious sparkler, with toasty brioche, mineral and lemon brûlée aromas and rich, complex flavors of crisp apple and raspberry, showing accents of fresh ginger and spice.”

“Instead of Napa or Sonoma, Champagne house Louis Roederer established
its sparkling wine outpost in Mendocino’s quiet Anderson Valley in 1982. Roederer Estate L’Ermitage 2007, the current release of the winery’s tête de cuvée, proves the location was a smart choice. The 2007 season was long and moderate, with plentiful fog. Winemaker Arnaud Weyrich used the estate’s best lots, blending roughly equal parts Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.”

“Very fruity and fresh in aroma, this elegant wine has light, crisp apple and lemon flavors, fresh-baked bread accents and lively acidity. A layered texture seems to blend in accents of almond and vanilla, increasing complexity with each sip. It’s one of California’s bluechip bubblies.”

“Impeccably refined and elegant, with floral aromas of fresh brioche, baked apple and roasted hazelnut. The flavors are layered and well-focused, showing notes of mineral, fresh ginger and subtle raspberry. Drink now through 2017.”

This impressive bubbly has apple, caramel and toffee aromas, melt-in-the-mouth Bosc pear and spice rack flavors, a rich but firm texture, and long finish. It possesses amazing liveliness, body and depth, and seems to reveal more nuances and freshness with each sip. While terrific to drink now, it can be cellared through at least 2020.