Roederer Estate Brut

Founded in 1982, Roederer Estate is nestled in Mendocino County’s cool, fog-shrouded Anderson Valley. As the northern California outpost of Champagne Louis Roederer, it builds upon a centuries-old tradition of advanced viticulture and fine winemaking. With 600 acres of proprietary vineyards, it is among the very few American sparkling wine houses that only sources estate-grown fruit. Special oak-aged reserve wines are added to each blend in both the multi-vintage and vintage cuvées, which are 100% estate-bottled.

California wine production has a rich viticulture history since 1680 when Spanish Jesuit missionaries planted Vitis vinifera vines native to the Mediterranean region in their established missions to produce wine for religious services. In the 1770s, Spanish missionaries continued the practice under the direction of the Father Junípero Serra planted California's first vineyard at Mission San Juan Capistrano.

The state produces about ninety percent of the American wine supply and is the fourth largest wine producer among the world's independent nations. It has more than 1,200 wineries ranging from home-grown and small boutiques to large corporations with international distribution.

"The current release of the NV Estate Brut is a blend of 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir and was made with about ten grams per liter dosage. It has a fresh, open nose with pure fruit expression: crushed apples, pears and lemon peel mingle with touches of stone, flowers and toast. The medium-bodied palate offers a lovely dichotomy of toasty fruits with uplifted citrusy, minerally accents with a finely beaded mousse, and it finishes long and ultra fresh." 93rp