425. Roederer Estate, Quartet Anderson Valley Brut, 2005

£17.99; 12%

My first sparkler from the Anderson Valley, west of Napa and Sonoma. A pretty good effort from Roederer, although quite a way short of Louis Roederer Champagne. Needs to integrate the slightly raw acidity better. Medium lemon yellow colour, with a fine, persistent, but lazy bead. Medium intensity nose showing ripe, red apple, along with oily / vegetal notes, alongside some yeasty hints. Lemon, yeast, peach and apple flavours, with a creamy mousse, and good length. Some apple-pip bitterness at the finish detracts slightly, along with slightly raw, slightly unintegrated acidity.