Review: Wines of Roederer Estate, 2026 Releases
It’s our second year running looking at the sparkling wines of Roederer, perhaps the most iconic sparkling wine producer in the U.S. (not to mention France). Let’s dive back in!
NV Roederer Estate Brut Anderson Valley (2026) – Still a multivintage blend of 40% pinot noir and 60% chardonnay, with 10 to 15% reserve wine in the mix. This remains one of the most reliable and affordable California sparklers on the market, showcasing a bright mix of green apples, Meyer lemon, and grapefruit, with mild layers of vanilla and brioche to temper the acidity. There’s less salinity with this release than the 2025 edition, but not much — and it works to the wine’s benefit, creating an unmistakable sense of balance and finesse. A / $32
NV Roederer Estate Brut Rose Anderson Valley (2026) – The composition here doesn’t change, with 56% pinot noir and 44% chardonnay in the mix (again with with 10 to 15% oak-aged reserve wine included). This year’s expression is a bit doughy, with a notable almond quality and more of a bitter edge than the 2025. Fruit is restrained and complemented with pastry cream and underripe strawberry. Clean on the finish, but short and missing the citrus peel this wine usually features. A stark contrast to last year’s release. B / $39
2021 Roederer Estate Clark Road Vineyard Anderson Valley – 77.6% pinot noir, 22.4% chardonnay, aged in stainless except for 7% in new oak. A lively mix of dried apples and roasted almonds, it’s a beautiful, upscale sparkler that keeps its focus largely on fruit. Gentle salinity complements late-game notes of melon and a slightly sour lemon peel character, moving to Meyer lemon as the finish develops. Clean and bracing on the back end, with a hint of lightly sweetened grapefruit segments to round things out. Just as good as the 2020. A / $55
2021 Roederer Estate Apple Alley Vineyard Anderson Valley – The flipside of Clark Road: 80.3% chardonnay, 19.7% pinot noir, with 3% reserve wine from 2018. Partially fermented in casks (22%). The chardonnay dominates this wine from the start, which is both crisp with lemon peel and gently sweetened by curd and oaky wisps of vanilla. Light touches of coconut inform a lengthy but sharp finish, bright with green apple and informed by earthier lemongrass notes. The balance provided by Clark Road Vineyard’s pinot-heavy experience is more to my taste. B+ / $55
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