Sometimes referred to as “California Cristál” and always a supreme value by comparison, this is a long-time favorite of mine, and I’m happy to report that the 2013 vintage carries on the tradition started back in 1989. This bottling gets about 4% reserve wine in the cuvée, and that provides depth to a creamy glass of bubbles, where a fine mousse carries aromas of brioche, nut and quince, all translating beautifully mid palate on a rich texture that finishes with a toasty apple push. Once again, among California’s best.
Roederer Estate, Anderson Valley (Mendocino County, California) 2013
By Rich Cook