Roederer Estate L'Ermitage Brut Anderson Valley Sparkling Blend 2009

97 points - new release                                    Roederer Estate's special tête de cuvée, L'Ermitage, 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 French methode and adds special oak-aged reserve wines to each blend. L'Ermitage debuted with the 1989 vintage and is designed to be California's version of Roederer's "Cristal." Enjoy! 97 points Wine Enthusiast:  "All the benefits of maturity come through in this deliciously complex flagship sparkling wine of the French-owned estate. It shows very minute, slow-rising bubbles and a beautiful bouquet of ginger, cinnamon, cherry and fresh croissants. The flavors are layered, intricate, subtle but somehow rich. A lush and seemingly soft texture is supported by fresh acidity that encourages a long and delicate finish. Mature, but not old, it should be great through 2020 or longer." Wine & Spirits "BEST OF THE YEAR":  "Roederer Estate's Brut is reliably open and delicious, this year's cuvée bursting with concentrated apple flavor. It's clean and dry with a long delicate finish enhanced by the barrel-aged reserve wines that winemaker Arnaud Weyrich blends in. Its bold flavors and vinous texture would be great with cracked crab." 93 Points Wine Spectator: "This shows a sense of grace and balance that belies its complexity and sophistication. Delicate brioche and apple aromas lead to long and sleek flavors of spicy hazelnut, lemon and ginger that finish with an impeccably crisp mineral note. Drink now through 2016."

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