L'Ermitage Brut, Roederer Estate N.V.

A young, potent wine, the 2019 Brut L’Ermitage is shaping up to be the greatest wine ever made at Roederer Estate. The aromatics are beguiling, but the 2019 is going to need a number of years to settle down. Readers will have to be patient. The 2019 is seriously impressive, but it needs time. It is the only wine in this series that was vinified with full malolactic fermentation and has the most lots fermented in wood here. It also saw the lowest dosage ever here, at 6 grams per liter. These choices look to be a winning approach for the future. Superb. Disgorged: February 2024

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.