2015 Roederer Estate L'Ermitage Brut - USA, California, North Coast, Anderson Valley (10/3/2024)
52% Chardonnay, 48% Pinot Noir with 4.9% aged reserves from 2010,12,14, 8g/l dos...this wine is SO appealing! Starts with the wonderful vinous richness of fruit...baked apple, pear marmalade, apricot...tart and zippy with lemon and grapefruit squeeze...seems classic...BUT...what really makes this wine so special it the friggin unique complexities i'm getting...has an almond liqueur, roasted nuts, marzipan, clove spice thingy going on...really fascinating and engaging. Super soft and creamy mouth filling mousse of sweet brioche and smoked sea salt...everything in well balance to the rich side...ending with super dry tartness, sours n bitters...long lingering finish. World class stuff here! (95 points)
The 2015 was definitely one of my favorites and am glad to be adding a healthy dose of
Magnums to my collection!
I would say the 2017 is also terribly appealing as they continue to lower dosage. But the price increases are kind of obnoxious, basically 50% over 3-4 years
Nice note, Buzz. I am also a big fan of this bottling. I just picked up a couple of the 2017 from B-21 at $49.99. Not the mid-$30’s of just a couple of years ago, but a good price in today’s market.
Wow, that’s a great price. Noticed this bottle at one of my local grocery stores for $109! Actually thought about it but can’t in good conscience buy it now
Glad to see this note. I posted on this in the gasp champagne thread about a year ago and our notes are pretty similar on the loaded, rich, soft, banging palate with a ton of fruit, spice, yeasty leesy nutty complexity – then offset brilliantly with a bang of acidity and a crisp mouthwatering finish. I thought this was probably the best of the L’Ermitage vintages I’ve had and was pretty surprised with just how good the 2015 was.
You sellin this for $46 BMo, I’m buying! Another fantastic bottle…little more Irish soda bread in this…salted caramels…crushed rocks…youthful stand attention tartness. Reminds me of the 2009 Cristal! Fantastic!
I’m a fan of the Collections, but this L’Ermitage is next level stuff. Much more complex, richer, and on par with Cristal imo. Would love to do a blind with all three!
