Redwood trees are like skyscrapers in the mountains around Anderson Valley, a remote slice of Mendocino County in California that seems unblemished by civilization. It was an unlikely location for Louis Roederer to establish a California outpost in 1982. Back then, most Champagne houses were investing in Napa or Sonoma, and Anderson Valley was a far-flung and untested location, with only a handful of wineries and vineyards.
But then-Roederer president Jean-Claude Rouzaud believed the terroir was ideal, offering cool nights, lots of fog from the nearby Pacific Ocean, and well-drained clay and gravel soils. Now, as the winery marks its 40th anniversary, it’s clear Anderson Valley was a wise choice.
Roederer Estate is arguably the best and most consistent sparkling wine producer on the West Coast, and I say that with admiration for friendly competitors such as Domaine Carneros, Iron Horse, and Schramsberg, to name a few. What’s more, Roederer Estate is one of the few domestic producers embraced by my snobby (Yes, I said it!) Champagneloving friends on the East Coast, whether it’s the workhorse non-vintage brut, which debuted in 1988, or the tête de cuvée L’Ermitage, which originated with the 1989 vintage.
This story is from the September 30, 2022 edition of Wine Spectator.
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This story is from the September 30, 2022 edition of Wine Spectator.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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