Rank #17 - Wine Enthusiast's Top 100 Wines of 2011
Rank #55 - Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of 2011
CASE PRICE = $38.99 per bottle
Notes From The Winemaker (2002 vintage):
L’ERMITAGE is Roederer Estate’s special Tête de Cuvée, which has consistently been rated one of California’s top sparkling wines since its debut in 1989. Taking a cue from owner Champagne Louis Roederer, Roederer Estate produces its sparkling wines in the traditional French methode champenoise and adds special oak-aged reserve wines to each blend. L’ERMITAGE is made only in exceptional years, of pre-selected grapes that come from the very best lots.
The wine for the dosage added to the 2002 L’ERMITAGE was 2002 wine liquor aged for 5 years in a French oak cask. Following disgorgement, L’ERMITAGE was aged an additional six months (minimum) on the cork prior to release.
Fine tiny bubbles and a long lasting mousse are the usual footprints of the L’ERMITAGE cuvée. This cuvée from the palindromic vintage 2002 is showing great notes of “tarte tatin”: baked apples and buttery crust, with notes of apricot and delicate vanilla bean. The mouthfeel is creamy, expresses flavors of quince and bread crust, with a clean and crisp yet long finish.
Ratings & Reviews
Rank #17 Top 100 Wines of 2011 & 96 Points - Wine Enthusiast Magazine:2003 was a great vintage for Roederer Estate. This, their top vintage wine, is very great, and the price is an absolute steal for this world class sparkler. It’s enormously rich in the strawberries from Pinot Noir and the limes from Chardonnay, while the toast and rich lees combine for a perfect champagne-style smokiness. And so smooth, it's like a kiss of silk. At the age of eight years, this wonderful wine is just getting started. S.H. (12/15/2011)
94 Points - Wine & Spirits Magazine:
"This wine captures the cool tones of Anderson Valley fruit in a sophisticated sparkler..." J.G. (Wine & Spirits, 12/11)
Rank #55 Top 100 Wines of 2011 & 93 Points - Wine Spectator Magazine:"Elegant
and sleek, yet complex, with cinnamon and green apple aromas that lead
to rich flavors of pear and lemon custard layered with brioche and
mineral. Drink now through 2015. 5,251 cases made." –TF (Nov 30, 2011)
