Roederer Estate "L'Ermitage" Brut 2012
(Anderson Valley, Mendocino County, California) - [WE 97] [WA 95] [WS 95 & #5 Top 100 of '19]

About the Winery:
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 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.

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 French méthode traditionelle and adds special oak-aged reserve wines to each blend. L’Ermitage debuted with the 1989 vintage.

Winemaking:
Roederer Estate wines are made with juice from just the cuvée pressing; no première or deuxième taille is used. The concept of the vintage L’Ermitage is the same one that is used in Champagne: only the best of the vintage is selected. These are exceptional wines that create a “noble” blend that allows for longer aging, which produces a fine wine with elegance and finesse.

The wine for the reserve dosage added to the L’Ermitage 2012 was aged five years in a French oak cask. Following disgorgement, L’Ermitage 2012 was aged an additional five months on the cork prior to release. Disgorged in April 2018.

Technical Info:

Varietals: 52% Chardonnay, 48% Pinot Noir, 4% from vintage 2007

Sugar: 10.7 g/L

Cases Produced: 4,217

Ratings & Reviews

97 Points & Cellar Selection - Wine Enthusiast:
"Luxurious and layered, this nicely mature wine has a broad range of complex aromas and flavors, from fig to mushroom to butter and baking spices that ride a supple texture and linger for a long finish. The very fine bead, plush texture and a creamy richness that verges on sweetness are practically irresistible. Best through 2025." – Jim Gordon (Apr 2019)

95 Points - Wine Advocate:
"The 2012 L'Ermitage Brut, with about nine grams per liter dosage, has aromas of baked quince and golden apples with notes of honey, brioche, mushroom and a saline lift. The medium-bodied palate begins with pure fruits and segues to toasty, croissant notes. It has energetic mousse and great freshness calling you in for another sip, and it finishes very long and layered. This is drinking wonderfully right now. It was disgorged in April of 2018." - Erin Brooks (Sep 2020)

95 Points & #60 Top 100 Wines of 2015 - Wine Spectator:
"Extravagant, yet balanced and refined, with lush, crisp brioche, fresh ginger and spice, roasted hazelnut and Asian pear flavors that fan out on the lengthy finish. Drink now through 2020. 4,217 cases made." - Tim Fish (Mar 2019)

95 Points - Vinous:
The 2012 Brut L'Ermitage is fabulous. Elegant, delicate and lifted, the 2012 exudes balance. Open-knit aromatics, pliant fruit and gorgeous length are the signatures. Brisk acids that can be a bit overpowering here are impeccably balanced. The silky finish is so attractive. Longer time on the lees worked out so well. The purity of the fruit is just striking. Dosage is 10.5 grams per liter. Disgorged: November 2018.