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About This Business:
We produce Limited Production Pinot Noirs, Chardonnay and Gewurztraminer from Anderson Valley and Comptche in Northern California's Mendocino County.
32 reviews for Roederer Estate
32 reviews in English
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Review from Jenn C.
2/5/2012
Gorgeous grounds and tasting room - more than any other winery, I feel like I could come in here in dirty jeans and muddy hiking boots or a tiara with a long black velvet dress and still feel comfortable and be confident that the staff would still treat me like a princess either way.
The staff are always friendly and no matter how many people show up (seems to come in waves sometimes) - they keep communicating and are clear and professional. I love the sparkling wines and this is one of my regular stops when I go through Anderson Valley. -
Review from Terri B.
Petaluma, CA
Updated - 1/22/2012
We served the purchased Magnums for Christmas Eve dinner. WOW.. I was cooking and nearly missed having a glass! Everyone loved the champagne. Maybe too much!!
We will be back for more!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/14/2011
I think how good it is depends on the days you visit. We came here on both a Sunday and Monday. … Read more »
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Review from Candace E.
Sacramento, CA
8/14/2011
Extremely busy, with an unfriendly and overworked staff. Not worth your time unless you REALLY like champagne.
The one that they created for the White House was good, but the rest were pretty standard. -
Review from Brian L.
Walnut Creek, CA
1/16/2012
Walked in expecting it to be pretentious and ok. The winery is a bit pretentious, but the wine and champagne is actually quite good. Staff warmed up during the tasting and waved the tasting fees after we bought a bottle.
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Review from Martin C.
San Francisco, CA
8/6/2011
This is another site in Anderson Valley that I've visited several times but have never previously written a review about. Not sure why, especially since I've bought a bottle of their pinot (which was very good) here before.
Roederer is the only spot in Anderson Valley where you can drink exclusively sparking wine. Handley, up the road, also offers a sparkling, but just one; their main focus is on pinots and other varietals. The Roederer tasting costs $10 (applied to any purchases) . The site is on top of a hill above Hwy 128 w/a nice view of the valley. There are tables outside where you can sip and take in the view, but I've always done the tasting inside which is attractive and cooler.
There is no cost savings to be had to buy any of the commercially available sparking wines here and the only reason to buy anything is to buy the pinot and extra brut which are only sold there. This time we bought a bottle of the extra brut (which ironically is actually sweeter than the brut) and is reasonably priced at about $23 for a bottle.
IMHO, it's a definite must see/taste in Anderson Valley, especially if you like a bit of the bubbly. -
Review from Delya S.
10/11/2011
We were sent to Roederer by a partnership winery. Right away, we noticed that this winery is very different from the sister vineyard, Scharffenberger Cellars. It's a bit more spendy and less cuddly. It's very grand and lovely. It would also be a nice spot for a picnic, but it did feel a bit less like a great spot to hang out with your four year old. (These aren't complaints, just observations.) The two gentlemen pouring for us were knowledgeable and the wines Roederer produces are in the French tradition. A few sips did take me back to Paris. Needless to say, we left with two bottled time machines. Trés bien!
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Review from Denny B.
Vista, CA
4/5/2011 4 photos
Shuyla provided a wonderfully informative and intimate tour of the facility for our group of four people. It is adviseable to write ahead of time and arrange for a tour as that will get you inside the workings of the cellars. We bought L'Ermitage Brut, the L'Ermitage magnum, an Brut MV and a Pinot Noir. We drank an Extra Dry out on the patio where we were supplied glasses and crackers. It was a 70 degree day 2 April, 2011 and the view of the grapes and the valley was just that much better while sipping Champagne. These are the people who make Cristal in France. For someone (me) who drinks Dom Perignon and Le Grand Dame for champagne, this is a great value for the taste and quality. I think I can switch and not lose much, but be able to afford 2X drinking.
This is must stop in the valley. Ignore the reviews who must think Cook's and Cold Duck are the zenith of bubbly. If you don't have a taste for champagne, try the L'Ermitage and experience the good stuff.
I don't know where some of these people went who wrote reviews, but they must have drank too much to know where they were or what they were doing. There was no charge for tasting. -
Review from Carlin F.
San Francisco, CA
12/11/2011
Great sparkling wine across the board (I prefer their Extra Dry) and Jim in the tasting room was as friendly as you could ask for. Give it a try. (tasting fee is $6 unless you buy wine)
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Review from Amy R.
San Francisco, CA
8/4/2008
This place was good for sparkling wine. They had a pretty normal tasting fee, but it was the only tasting in the area that I paid for. I'm more of a red wine drinker, but I also appreciated the L'Ermitage. It looks like I'm the only one that thought it tasted better from the smaller bottle...but I was also impressed that the bottle size made such a difference.
I like that the tasting room kind of feels like a nice wine bar. The service was great, and you can't beat the view from the entrance. Also, they had the healthiest orchid I've ever seen. I know...this has nothing to do with wine.
For being a winery specializing in sparkling wines, they had a decent pinot noir. I was told (elsewhere) that the area is known for pinot noir which didn't surprise me because that seemed to be the one wine that was good everywhere.Listed in: Anderson Valley
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Review from Joe B.
9/25/2008
The tasting room is beautiful, and the server here friendly and professional, without a doubt the best tasting room experience in the valley here. Be prepared, the tasting equates to about two glasses, so we decided to split one.
Of all the as many have noted, the difference in the magnum of Brut and the 750 is striking - I prefer the 750 quite a bit more. I ended up taking home a bottle of the Brut Rose of Pinot. Yeah, yeah, I bought a bottle of pink bubbly, and the label is actually pink as well. Hey, it's for an anniversary, and I'm secure enough in my masculinity to leave the sparkling wine tasting room with a pink bottle with pink bubbly in it. ;-)Listed in: Mendo Wineaux Tour!, Anderson Valley - A little…
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Review from Betty N.
2/17/2009
The tasting room is nice but I preferred Sharffenberger's no-sense approach better.
There is a tasting fee ($6) and we shared. Our favorite was the L'Hermitage but not enough for us to buy a bottle.
We liked Anderson Valley's bubblies more so than Napa's Mumm.
Not sure if we will return here, we liked our experience at Scharffenberger much better.
You decide. -
Review from Randy F.
8/13/2008 2 photos
Roederer Estate was our first winery stop and also amongst the most beautiful. The views are gorgeous and the wine tasting room is spacious and elegant.
Roederer specializes in "French-style" sparkling wines and had an extensive tasting list for $6. I was a bit surprised since I thought Mendocino might offer free tastings like Sonoma. As we were just starting our day, we were told we could sample a few gratis if we'd like (yes, we like!).
They also offer a unique selection of lemongrass and lavender sodas for designated drivers. We were given a bottle as my gf loves lavender and it was subtle and refreshing. (score!)
Overall, great winery, great laidback service, and great views!
Unfortunately, Roederer Estates accepts credit card, but not accept American Express.Listed in: AmEx Outcasts!
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Review from Jessica P.
Emeryville, CA
9/28/2008
In the midst of many wine tastings, nothing can be finer than the pleasure of tasting bubbly amidst your adventures.
The tasting room is gorgeous, very sophisticated and well run.
I agree, a magnum of anything is impressive, but the difference between two champagne sizes is also notable. The Brut in a normal sized bottle is much more smooth and sweet tasting. The Brut in a magnum has much more activity on your tongue due to extra fermentation. I love actually learning a little something while getting my buzz on, heh.
I convinced the boy to buy the bubbly. I live my life like pink champagne on ice, so pink it had to be. The Brut Rose of Pinot was was not my usual variety of bubbly, but I'm glad it's chilling in our fridge for our anniversary coming up.
Their champagnes and wines have been used in White House Dinners, and menu cards are framed along the wall highlighting events the Roederer wines or champagnes have been featured in.
All in all, a delightful and nice break away from the norm of your wine trail.Listed in: Feeling like (Gillian)…
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Review from David Z.
San Jose, CA
8/26/2010
Stuffy staff. Stuffy wines. When I asked our pourer what kind of grapes were growing on the hill above the parking lot she replied, "oh they don't share that kind of information with us." (LOL. Umm ... you don't know what is growing next to where you park your car every day?!) It's top secret! Apparently we might steal confidential wine secrets!
If you want good sparkling wine and more personable staff, go to Sharfenberger (same parent company, different winemaker, and way-more personable folks in the tasting room). -
Review from Daniel B.
Albany, NY
4/9/2007
What makes a $6 tasting fee worthwhile?
1. Having the opportunity to taste the same wine from a 750ml bottle and a Magnum (1.5L)
2. Tasting the '99 L'Ermitage
3. Tasting the '97 L'Ermitage from the magnum
Seriously... the Magnum thing. It totally sounds like wine Bullsh*t. It's the same wine, just in a different bottle. Which is why it is such an incredible experience to get to do this for yourself. And then actually taste the difference. Crazy. So much better.
The problem then is finding enough friends to come over and help you drink all your Magnums of bubbly.
I also happen to really like the house style of Roederer. I find it to be a good bit richer then some of its counterparts.
Plus the tasting room has gotten a good bit less stuffy over the years. Cough up the $6 and give it a try. Unless you have found some other place that does this for free. And don't say Korbel. Their wine is nasty. -
Review from Scott A.
Windsor, CA
2/28/2011
Champagne is not my thing, but the rest liked it. Nice experience. There was one I liked better than the rest, sold only in a magnum. The girl behind the counter was pleasant. We left with a bottle of unoaked chardonay that was tasting closer to the sauv blanc end of spectrum. I'm not going to star them down because I don't care for Champagne, they deserve 4 stars.
Listed in: Wineries
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Review from Erin S.
Santa Rosa, CA
4/13/2010
My first winery in Anderson Valley to explore. Beautiful grounds and a sophisticated tasting room. The bubbly really is delicious, but I had already known that before visiting the tasting room. I was really excited to be in a new valley, but my pourer really didn't care. She wasn't rude, is was just wasn't enthusistic about anything.
Roderer really does have great wine. Also what's nice is that they pour from magnums to show you how different sparkling can taste by the different sizes influencing aging.
My favorites included:
NV Brut Rose
2000 L'Ermitage Vintage Brut
Magnum L'Ermitage Vintage Brut -
Review from Wella A.
Eugene, OR
5/1/2009
I think the best tasting sparkling wine is based on context. Ballatore on New Year's Eve after great sex never tasted so spectacular. However, non-approachable servers during a quiet afternoon of tasting in what seemed like a sterile, dark room took the zest out of the bubbly experience. I had great expectations of sipping the outstanding Roederer bubblies. Unfortunately (and I hate to admit), the tasting fee on top of the negative vibe sunk that hope.
I'll have to go back...I'm blown away that I didn't like it as much as I thought I would. C'mon, sparkles and bubbles...me not liking this? Weird. -
Review from Lynn L.
6/20/2008
Yummy little bubbles!
Definitely the best sparkling wine in Anderson Valley, and the tasting room is lovely. Like Lisa, it's really awesome to taste the same wine from a 750 ml bottle and a magnum. I never knew there was a difference! Unlike Lisa, though, I had to get the magnum of the L'Ermitage. :) -
Review from Melinda B.
San Francisco, CA
4/23/2006
At $23, The Anderson Valley Extra Dry (Served at the White House, mind you, and only available in the tasting room) compared favorably with Veuve Cliquot at half the price. Of course you'd go with the French for a special occasion, but this is a great "everyday celebration" sparkler.
We also purchased a Magnum of the Rose Brut, which we found creamy, full, and more full of brioche than its single bottle sister. They very carefully wrapped the Magnum so we can make a great presentation out of it at our next family gathering.
I agree with the other poster than nickel and diming its clientele is in poor taste for such a high quality brand. That's why not five stars. -
Review from Lisa S.
Bay Area
3/31/2008 2 photos
The best part of tasting at Roederer is comparing the same [sparkling] wine served out of a 750mL bottle and our of a 1.5L bottle (magnum). It was amazing how different the 2 (same) wines tasted. I personally preferred the magnum smooth/creaminess but unfortunately don't have a need for a magnum of sparkling brut. Especially for $50. The sparklings here are very "French" tasting. Crisp and clean and not sweet. The story is that, in the 70's-80's, the Roederer family ran out of room to expand their winery in the Champagne region of France. They searched the world wide and finally found Philo, CA which had an almost identical climate. So here is where they settled to expand their sparkling wines. There was a bottle of Cristal on display along the tasting bar - but certainly no poppin' that cork! Can you imagine the cost of tasting Cristal?
Tasting [6-8] wines cost $6 but if you buy a bottle, you get $3 off your bottle. The tasting room was nice and large. There are couches to rest on if you're the DD for the afternoon and the winery reminds guests that they have crayons and books for your kids. The room itself is bright and clean and roomy.
The views are great since Roederer sits up on a small hill just off Hwy 128. The staff was very nice and offered to take a picture of Mom and me - even trekked out to the front of the winery to show us her popular photo-op spot.
It was very quiet and relaxed here. It felt more refined. Perhaps that "expensive" $6 tasting fee keeps the moochers away? Please... $6? I'd pay $6 to taste a handful of wines without having to commit to an entire bottle any day! -
Review from Alesia T.
Pleasanton, CA
10/1/2010
Decent place for some bubbly. I get the impression it is sort of a tourist spot, bc it is THE French Roederer, but it was close to empty when I came here. I'm not hugely educated about champagne so coming here and tasting different types was a fun experience. Tastings aren't free unlike most Mendocino estates, but waived with a purchase. I personally LOVED their Brut Rose. They do sell some of their stuff in supermarkets so unless you're an avid fan, there isn't any great hype about coming here. The estate itself doesn't offer much in terms of a view unless I missed something, but it does have a nicely mowed lawn.
Listed in: Napa
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Review from michael c.
Albany, CA
2/12/2006
Roederer US, is not surprisingly the US arm of Louis Roederer, one of the last large, independent Champagne houses, probably most famous for Cristal. You won't find Cristal here just a selection of very nice sparklers very much in the style of a large French Champagne house. The winemaker, Arnaud Weyrich (an Alsatian Champagne maker?!?) definitely has focused his production on bright fruit, very pleasant acidity, and a clean finishes. The Brut is a steal at ~$16-18. Their vintage selection is quite good, but maybe you'd expect more for the price.
Why only 3 stars? Well, the tasting room is nice and the staff was pleasant, but they charge $4 for tasting then only deduct $3 from the bottle price. Why would you nickel and dime your customers like that? Especially when the rest of Anderson Valley is free (nearly). Additionally, while many love the clean fruit of a large Champagne house, I prefer it a bit funkier - more yeast, more brioche, not as much cream. Still, it's worth the trip if only to do a six sample sparkling wine tasting. -
Review from k ..
Mill Valley, CA
2/14/2006
Roederer Estate is certainly among the finest sparkling wine makers in the United States. It is not at all surprising given its parent-child relationship with Louis Roederer.
Certainly, its L'Ermitage is no Cristal, but it's definitely 80% of the fun at 20% of the cost. They may have some vintage wines available, and they age very well. I am particularly fond of the 1994 which I've found to be very creamy and lush, though not so exciting as the toasty and yeasty Cristal. The terroir is different, so you can't and shouldn't expect the same. -
Review from Jessie P.
Healdsburg, CA
4/6/2010
Roederer is great, i love the wines, I love, LOVE the bubbles! The place is startk, they were slow so they were starting to close.. it's a quiet town so that's what you get when you walk in 10 minutes to closing.. Oops! But I did join the wine club.. $175 for 3 magnums, only twice per year. that's the only way you get a discount, so that's cool. The lady was sweet, she tasted us on all the wines, very nice. The bar is cool and they have a beautiful outside area. No picnicing, it's clearly marked, it's not them being mean about it, they just aren't permited for it.. we asked. Great place.
Comment from Sharon S. of Roederer Estate 6/29/2010
Just wanted to let you all know that we now allow picnicing… More » -
Review from Louise O.
San Francisco, CA
9/21/2010
I LOVE the sparkling wines here. However, the tasting fee was $6 which I'm ok with, but only $3 is refunded with purchase of a bottle. It just seemed like such a stingy policy that I didn't purchase any wines. Also, the L'Ermitage is $35 at Bottle Barn vs. $42 at the winery.
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Review from Bradley J.
Chicago, IL
3/21/2007
Felt like we were tasting in Napa - very small pours, we were done in 8 minutes. Friendly service though!
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Review from Audrey B.
8/31/2008
This was the only tasting room that we visited that charged for tasting. I thought the "sparkling wines" were ok, but not super impressive. I liked the sparkling wine, but not so much their chardonnay or pinot. I feel like they were the least friendly staff of any of the tasting rooms that we visited...
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Review from Broderick S.
Atlanta, GA
11/29/2009
Roederer was the main destination on this trip but the previous experience at Toulouse had me spoiled. The wines were great but was turned off by the two separate signs upon heading up the hill that picnicking was strictly forbidden. Really? With all the space you have here? Um, whatever. Other than that the grounds are gorgeous and the bubbles were delicious. There's also an opportunity to purchase hard-to-find imports in addition to their California offerings.
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Review from Megan H.
Healdsburg, CA
12/16/2007
My favorite place for sparkling in the Anderson Valley, if not all of California. The younger pourers are super friendly and fun. The wines are outstanding - very crisp, clean style of sparkling. They will pour you most of what is available, including examples of the same wine from 750mL bottle v.s magnums - secondary fermentation in the bottle vs. not. Very interesting. Awesome place to taste, but it can be overly crowded on weekends.
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Review from Alured P.
San Francisco, CA
11/18/2007
Previous reviewers hit the high points, nominal tasting fee, lots of sparkling wine, and learning that wine in a normal bottle tastes really different than one in a magnum. Alas, I learned that I preferred sparkling wine from a magnum... D'oh! The staff was great about answering questions. So again, a really interesting place to do the tasting and worth the fee [and its not like you have had to shell out money for the other tastings in the area].
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Review from Charlie S.
San Francisco, CA
12/7/2008
They are famous and we could not help stopping by for tasting, but the server was kind of unfriendly. Also the sparkling wine was not as good as we expected. If you are a champaign lover and go to the area, plan to visit Scharffenberger Cellars which we liked better.
