2015 Roederer Estate L’Ermitage Brut Sparkling Wine

“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.

The 2015 vintage was at the end of the 2013-2015 drought spell. Winter was mild and budbreak was very early in February. Bloom occurred in early May when it was windy and cool then June got very hot, all pushing for an early harvest starting August 7th. Labor was difficult to secure to harvest quickly enough and the last lots for sparkling were picked September 10th. Overall, the yields in 2015 were good with plenty of maturity for the late picks.

Fine tiny bubbles and a long lasting mousse are the usual footprints of the L’Ermitage cuvée. Aromas of hazelnut and roasted pecans opening to some clove spiciness. Vibrant acidity, with notes of Asian pear, baked green apple. Creamy mid palate and clean acid with a dry finish.”