Roederer Estate L'Ermitage Brut 2019 (75cl)

L'Ermitage is the tête de cuvée of Roederer Estate in California, made on the same idea as vintage Champagne: only the best of the year is selected for a blend built for longer ageing. The 2019 is the first vintage to go through malolactic fermentation, which suited a lower dosage. About 4.9% of the wine was fermented in oak cask, with gentle batonnage for eight weeks. The dosage wine is a 2019 aged four years in oak, and after disgorgement the wine rested a further seven months on the cork. It shows quince paste and light pastry crust on the nose. The palate is bright and textured, with baked red apple, blood orange zest, white grapefruit and a creamy mousse. The finish is mouthwatering, with pear skin.