Roederer Earns First-Ever Perfect Score for American Sparkling Wine

In a seminal moment for American winemaking, a new ceiling has been shattered. Roederer Estate’s 2019 L’Ermitage Brut has achieved a perfect 100-point score from Wine Enthusiast magazine—the first time this honor has ever been bestowed upon an American-made sparkling wine by a major publication.

 

This historic achievement is more than just a number; it's a powerful validation of a four-decade journey in California's Anderson Valley, cementing Roederer Estate's place at the pinnacle of New World sparkling wine production.  Not too shabby. 

“This recognition for our top prestige cuvée is a testament to over 40 years of estate grape growing in California and more than 200+ years of winemaking experience,” said Nicole Carter, President of Roederer Estate. She noted the fantastic timing, as the estate has just opened its redesigned hospitality center, welcoming guests to taste this very wine against the stunning backdrop of the Anderson Valley.

What Does Perfection Taste Like?

So, what defines a perfect sparkling wine? According to the superlative review by renowned sommelier and wine expert Tonya Pitts for Wine Enthusiast, it tastes like bottled sunshine.  Love this description. 

“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.”

This vivid description captures the elegance, complexity, and sheer joy that the winemaking team at Roederer Estate strives to create in every bottle of L'Ermitage.

The People Behind the Perfect Blend

This historic achievement is the result of meticulous, passionate work, guided by a philosophy that prioritizes the vineyard over accolades. Winemaker Arnaud Weyrich, only the second in the estate's history, decides each year if the vintage is exceptional enough to produce a L'Ermitage bottling. The 2019 vintage, he believed, delivered wines of extraordinary elegance and finesse.

“We don’t make our wines with scores in mind, and we always aim for the perfect blend in order to achieve the pinnacle of winemaking, but it is very rewarding to receive this affirmation of our efforts,” said Weyrich, humbly deflecting the praise to his team. “I feel so lucky to have such an amazing team working beside me... Their dedication is what brings the quality to life in the bottle.”

A Legacy of Excellence

This 100-point score is a new peak in a long history of critical acclaim. Founded in 1982 by Jean-Claude Rouzaud of the famed Champagne Louis Roederer, the estate was built on the conviction that a French heritage of méthode traditionnelle winemaking could find a brilliant new expression in the unique terroir of Mendocino County. This commitment has been proven time and again, including when the 2004 L’Ermitage Brut was named the #1 wine in Wine Enthusiast's Top 100 of 2013.

Today, under the seventh-generation leadership of Frédéric Rouzaud, Roederer Estate continues to honor its founding vision. This perfect score for the 2019 L’Ermitage is not just an award; it’s a milestone for the entire American wine industry.