Champagne Showdown: Louis Roederer Cristal vs. Roederer Estate L'Ermitage Brut

Christianne Klein
Dec 31, 2023
4 min read

Updated: Jan 15, 2024

Bottles of Cristal 2008 and L'Ermitage 2012 — Cristal 2008 versus L'Ermitage 2012. Image by Christianne Klein.

Pop the corks because we're diving into a sparkling showdown that's bound to elevate your celebrations. In one corner, we have the illustrious Louis Roederer Cristal 2008, and in the other, the superb Roederer Estate L'Ermitage Brut 2012. Buckle up for a journey through taste, tradition, and effervescence!

I wanted to do this taste test for years, ever since L’Ermitage beat Cristal in a taste test one New Year’s Eve. They both have a familiar family lineage as Roederer properties, but could L’Ermitage really toast Cristal?

Yes, I know, Louis Roederer Cristal 2008 vs. Roederer Estate L'Ermitage Brut 2012 is not a perfect match-up: France versus California. 2008 versus 2012. Champagne versus sparkling wine. But it’s what was available at our local specialty store, so we just had to enjoy this match-up. (Note to Roederer: feel free to send over a few other bottles for a perfect head-to-head match up :)

Here are the details starting with the obvious differences in our Cristal vs. L'Ermitage match-up (there are many, but these are the standouts)… verdict down below…

Differences between Louis Roederer Cristal and Roederer Estate L’Ermitage Brut 2012:

Origin:

Cristal 2008: Hails from the prestigious Champagne region in France, a flagship offering from Louis Roederer.
L'Ermitage Brut 2012: Crafted in the Anderson Valley of California, USA, representing the Roederer family's venture into American sparkling wine.

Varietal Composition:

Cristal 2008: A blend dominated by Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, showcasing the traditional grapes of Champagne.
L'Ermitage Brut 2012: Primarily composed of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, with a touch of Meunier, embodying the classic Champagne varietals adapted to California's terroir.

Terroir Influence:

Cristal 2008: Reflects the terroir of the Champagne region, characterized by cool climate and limestone soils.
L'Ermitage Brut 2012: Expresses the unique terroir of Anderson Valley, where a cool climate and coastal influences contribute to the wine's freshness and vibrancy.

Wine Aging:

Cristal 2008: Aged for an extended period in Louis Roederer's cellars, contributing to its depth, complexity, and creamy texture.
L'Ermitage Brut 2012: Benefits from aging on the lees, providing a delightful creaminess to the texture and enhancing the overall mouthfeel.

Louis Roederer Cristal 2008

History of the Brand:

Founded in 1776, Louis Roederer is a Champagne house with a rich legacy, known for its commitment to quality and innovation.

History of the Wine:

Cristal, first created in 1876 for Tsar Alexander II of Russia, is a symbol of luxury and refinement.
The 2008 vintage is a standout, characterized by ideal growing conditions and meticulous winemaking.

Tasting Notes:

Appearance: Golden amber hues with a delicate perfect effervescence that dances in the glass. These bubbles are miniscule.
Aroma: A symphony of citrus, candied fruits, white flowers, and a subtle almond and mineral undertone.
Palate: Complex and beautiful, with notes of ripe fruits, hazelnuts, and a creamy texture that lingers. Cristal 2008 unfolds with layers of rich and ripe fruits, showcasing a body of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay.
Finish: The finish is long and lingering. It’s a gorgeous sophisticated champagne. Cristal 2008 culminates with a subtle minerality and a lingering vibrancy that forces you to have sip after sip.
Texture: Creamy and velvety, with a finely integrated mousse that caresses the palate. The texture is both opulent and refined, creating a harmonious balance between richness and freshness.
Overall Impression: Louis Roederer Cristal 2008 is one of my favorite champagnes. A masterful expression of craftsmanship and terroir. Its exceptional balance, intricate flavors, and enduring finish make it a Champagne that transcends the ordinary, making it a perfect special occasion champagne (or champagne for a random Tuesday).

Roederer Estate L'Ermitage Brut 2012

History of the Brand:

Roederer Estate, established in 1982 in California's Anderson Valley, is the American venture of the Roederer family.
Committed to sustainable practices, Roederer Estate embodies the Roederer tradition with a Californian twist.

History of the Wine:

L'Ermitage is a standout of Roederer Estate's portfolio, named after the French estate of the Roederer family.
The 2012 vintage showcases the best of California's cool-climate terroir and Roederer's expertise.

Tasting Notes:

Appearance: Straw yellow with a persistent stream of tiny (but not miniscule) bubbles.
Aroma: A bouquet of green apple, pear, peach, and a hint of brioche.
Palate: Layers of citrus and stone fruit, complemented by toasty nuances and a creamy richness with a vibrant acidity.
Finish: Crisp, refreshing, and creamy with a hint of acid and mineral from the soil. This is a sip that lingers, but not for long.
Texture: Silky and refined, with a fine and persistent mousse that caresses the palate. The texture is both creamy and vivacious, providing a delightful contrast that contributes to the wine's overall balance.
Overall Impression: Roederer Estate L'Ermitage Brut 2012 is beautiful on its own and a wonderful representation of a great California sparkling wine. Its lovely balance between acid and cream, fruit-forward character, and the interplay of freshness and complexity make it a sparkling wine that captures the essence of the region.

The Verdict: Louis Roederer Cristal 2008 vs. Roederer Estate L'Ermitage Brut 2012

Both Louis Roederer Cristal 2008 and Roederer Estate L'Ermitage Brut 2012 are exemplars of their craft, offering a sip of history and a burst of bubbles. However, comparing these two bottles isn’t fair. At all. On its own, Roederer Estate L'Ermitage Brut 2012 is a wonderful sparkling, but next to Louis Roederer Cristal 2008, everything stands out as not quite great. The bubbles aren’t as vibrant, the color not as rich, the palate less complex, the finish lacking. It’s not that it’s not a lovely sparkling, it’s that it’s outclassed, and not a fair comparison. All in all, I’m glad we did it, but it will be the last time we do it. If you really want both, start with Cristal and then move on to L’Ermitage as your next bottle. You really can’t go wrong with either bottle.

Cheers!