2004 L'Ermitage Brut Late Disgorged

Disgorged Jan. 2020 after nearly 15 years on the yeast, it expresses a range of aromatics.

Founded in 1982, Roederer Estate is nestled in Mendocino County’s fog-shrouded, Anderson Valley. As the California property of Champagne Louis Roederer, Roederer Estate builds upon a centuries-old tradition of fine winemaking. The premium grape growing region’s proximity to the Pacific ocean gives rise to a gentle cycle of warm days and cool nights, allowing grapes to mature slowly on the vine and develop full varietal character.

Among the very few California sparkling wine houses that only sources estate-grown fruit, Roederer Estate is also meticulous about all its farming decisions. The winemaking process begins with in-depth knowledge of the Estate soils to introduce open lyre trellis system or high density plantation, extends to the decision to farm vineyards organically and biodynamically, and finishes by painstakingly tracking grape maturity to achieve perfect balance at harvest.

Disgorged January 2020 after nearly 15 years on the yeast (178 months to be precise), the wine expresses the full range of aromatics that is typical of a Late Disgorged méthode traditionnelle sparkling wine: The pressure is low at opening showing, a reminder of its age and ensuing slow loss of carbonation. It makes for a very gentle and delicate effervescence on the tongue. Aromas of brioche and then flint welcome you. The first sip reveals bright acid and quince jam aromatics. Mushroom, clove and anise seed follow. As the wine warms in your glass, more aromatics of caramelized crust and honey develop. It is a mouthwatering experience as the acidic core of the wine lingers and keeps the wine vibrant.

L'Ermitage vintage 2004 was the 14th release of the Tête de Cuvée made by Roederer Estate. It was introduced in Fall of 2013 and garnered incredible press, including ranking No. 1 of the Top 100 best wines of the year by Wine Enthusiast magazine.