2013 Roederer Estate L'Ermitage

Roederer Estate is the California estate of Champagne Louis Roederer, one of France’s most esteemed Champagne houses. In 1982 the Rouzaud family, owners of Roederer, acquired a 580-acre estate in Anderson Valley, and the estate’s debut vintage was the 1989. Today Frédéric Rouzaud runs the and the winemaker is Arnaud Weyrich. Weyrich earned his Master of Science degree in Viticulture in Montpellier and has spent his career with Roederer, both in Champagne and in Anderson Valley. The estate makes vintage and non-vintage sparkling wines that wine writers invariably refer to as consistently well-made and appealing.

Mendocino AVA was established in 1984 and amended in 1989. It includes numerous sub-appellations. Mendocino AVA is entirely within Mendocino County, and the AVA is known for its Mediterranean climate. Vintners successfully grow Carignan, Charbono, Grenache, Zinfandel, Petit Sirah and Syrah. In cooler parts of the region Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are also grown. Mendocino County is home to nearly 600 vineyards, and many have been certified organic for decades, thanks to the region’s famous “green and sustainable” approach to agriculture and nearly everything else. Mendocino was named for 16th century explorers, a pair of brothers whose last name was Mendoza. Winemaking, however, didn’t start until the 19th century when some would-be gold miners decided it was more profitable to make wine than to pan for gold. Italian immigrants in the late 19th century continued to establish winemaking ventures.