Hi-Time's 12 Champagnes of Christmas
In the three decades we have been doing this 12 Champagnes list, a non-Champagne sparkler has never made the lineup, this is, until now. We have made this one-time exception for this Roederer California tete de cuvée because its quality to price ratio is simply off the charts. Of course, one can quibble about Tonya Pitts' three-digit rating, but there is no denying that this L'Ermitage is a profound bubbly available at a tariff that is way more than fair.
WINE ENTHUSIAST CELLAR SELECTION 100 POINTS - "If sunshine could be bottled it would be this. Aromas of fresh succulent stone fruit, a hint of yeast, citrus blossoms and notes of quince on the nose. The mousse is creamy and light with baked red apples, blood orange zest, white grapefruit, sticky caramel and layered salinity with a mouthwatering finish. It will bring a smile to your lips." - May 2025, Tonya Pitts
JEB DUNNUCK 95 POINTS - "The 2019 Brut L'Ermitage blends 52% Chardonnay and 48% Pinot Noir, all estate grown from one growing season, with 3.9% Chardonnay from the 2016 vintage, and a dosage of 6 grams per liter. A complete, well-integrated, medium-bodied sparkling wine with a balance of fruit and savory notes, it offers flecks of oak spice and pastry crust. Textured and creamy in style, it has a lingering brightness on the finish and should age well over the next 10-15 years."(VB
WINE SPECTATOR 94 POINTS - "Dynamic yet elegantly structured, with alluring flavors of Asian pear, baked apple, brioche, clove and nutmeg that build richness on the graceful finish. Drink now through 2027. 4,850 cases made."
In the three decades we have been doing this 12 Champagnes list, a non-Champagne sparkler has never made the lineup, this is, until now. We have made this one-time exception for this Roederer California tete de cuvée because its quality to price ratio is simply off the charts. Of course, one can quibble about Tonya Pitts' three-digit rating, but there is no denying that this L'Ermitage is a profound bubbly available at a tariff that is way more than fair.
WINE ENTHUSIAST CELLAR SELECTION 100 POINTS - "If sunshine could be bottled it would be this. Aromas of fresh succulent stone fruit, a hint of yeast, citrus blossoms and notes of quince on the nose. The mousse is creamy and light with baked red apples, blood orange zest, white grapefruit, sticky caramel and layered salinity with a mouthwatering finish. It will bring a smile to your lips." - May 2025, Tonya Pitts
JEB DUNNUCK 95 POINTS - "The 2019 Brut L'Ermitage blends 52% Chardonnay and 48% Pinot Noir, all estate grown from one growing season, with 3.9% Chardonnay from the 2016 vintage, and a dosage of 6 grams per liter. A complete, well-integrated, medium-bodied sparkling wine with a balance of fruit and savory notes, it offers flecks of oak spice and pastry crust. Textured and creamy in style, it has a lingering brightness on the finish and should age well over the next 10-15 years."(VB
WINE SPECTATOR 94 POINTS - "Dynamic yet elegantly structured, with alluring flavors of Asian pear, baked apple, brioche, clove and nutmeg that build richness on the graceful finish. Drink now through 2027. 4,850 cases made."
