Cristal Lite

Roederer Estate, L’Ermitage 1999
Anderson Valley$35.99
Jen's Notes

We had heard that this was a California sparkler to rival the best of France. For my palate, this was definitely true. However, if you don't like a heavier style of Champagne, that might not be true for you.

This bubbly is quite full-bodied - reminiscent of Krug's Grand Cuvee. It is toasty on the nose. The palate is leesy, creamy and rich, with a touch of licorice. There is a pleasant hint of balancing citrus before the long finish. As the wine opened up a bit more, we detected plummy fruit. There was good minerality underneath as well, which made L'Ermitage all the more reminiscent of a fine Champagne.