Roederer Estates L’Ermitage 2013

The festive vibe is everywhere - the holiday music in the stores, decorations in your home, the happy smiles on peoples faces. I love it all, from A to Z. The holiday sparkle inspired the Battle of the Bubbles- USA vs UK chat with (see my IGTV for the reel).

Roederer Estate - what comes to mind? Quality? Excellence? Tradition? Founded in 1776 in Reims, France, Louis Roederer is one of the few larger/grand Maison de Champagne still independently family run. Like many other champagne houses they looked to Napa in the 70/80s as they saw the potential of the region for sparkling wines. In 1982, Roederer Estate purchased their first portion of the now 620 acres in the Anderson Valley AVA.

Roederer Estates L’Ermitage 2013

12,8% abv

L’Ermitage only made in the best vintages/years only use the cuvée pressing - which is the first press, the most pure juice and, the best. Exceptional equates to longer ageing potential and a finer, elegant sparkling. This particular vintage is a

blend of 52% Chardonnay, 48% Pinot Noir – 4% reserve wine from2011 was aged in French oak. Aged in bottle for 5 years on the lees, then for another 5 months after disgorgement in June 2019. Note:

There are no AVA laws for traditional method sparkling wine. It’s up to the winery/winemaker to make that decision - be it a quality, monetary or time decision (or all three). It’s a testament to the level of quality they place on their sparkling wines.

Warm golden color with fine and festive persistent bubbles. Rich aromas of brioche, flint, golden apple, quince, lemon curd and honeysuckle.  Creamy mouthfeel, lively acidity and dry on the palate (Residual Sugar: 8 g/L). The lavish brioche and pastry cream greet your palate followed by the cherry, citrus, freshly grated ginger and toasted almonds.

This is my first encounter with the lovely L’Ermitage - and it won’t be my last.

Pair with Thai spring rolls, shrimp tempura, cheddar or by the fire.