2011 L'Ermitage Brut
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.L’Ermitage, Roederer Estate’s special tête de cuvée, is a sparkling wine made only in exceptional years from pre-selected, estate-grown grapes. Carrying on the tradition of Champagne Louis Roederer in France, Roederer Estate produces its sparkling wines in the traditional méthode traditionelle and adds special oak-aged reserve wines to each blend. L’Ermitage debuted with the 1989 vintage.
95 Points, Top 100 Best Wines of The Year
“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.”
— Wine & Spirits, December 2018
93 Points
“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.”
— Wine Spectator, Tim Fish, May 31, 2018
95 Points, Editor’s Choice | #2 Top 100 Wines of 2018“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.”
— Wine Enthusiast, Jim Gordon, March 1, 2018
95 Points, Top 100 Best Wines of The Year
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.