Champagne & Sparkling Wine

Mar 252013
 
2011 Giordano Prosecco doc, Sparkling Wine, Veneto, Italy, $15 (S) – Rating 90

This is one Prosecco that should not be relegated to a mixer or mimosa. A crisp floral nose with notes of lemon and orange peel. A near perfect level of effervescence with a soft mouth-feel yet mouthwatering acidity.  Dry flavors of citrus with hints of tangerine and lime are enhanced by notes of yeastiness. Buy This Wine

Jan 122013
 
J Vineyards & Winery Cuvée 20 Brut NV 25th Anniversary, Sonoma, CA, $26 (S) – Rating 92

The J Vineyards & Winery Cuvée 20, is in my opinion, one of the consistent great values in CA sparkling wine and the 25th Anniversary offering is no exception. Crisp and intriguing with a nose of apple, citrus and brioche. An elegant and full mouth-feel offering flavors of red apple, pear and minerality with a hint of sweet yeastiness and notes of caramel. The food pairing possibilities are limitless. Buy This Wine

Jan 022013
 
2009 V. Sattui Winery Prestige Cuvee, Brut, Sparkling Wine, Napa Valley, CA, $29 (S) – Rating 91

A pleasingly rich and creamy Brut with a satisfying nose of toasty vanilla. The blend of 80% Chardonnay and 20% Pinot Noir offers a surprisingly round  mouth-feel with crisp flavors of toast yeast, citrus and vanilla with barely a hint of sweetness. Very subtle notes of blood orange add to the finish. Buy This Wine

Dec 262012
 
 Gloria Ferrer Winery Blanc de Noir NV, Carneros, CA, $20 (S) – Rating 91

A fun fruit-forward sparkler made of 90% Pinot Noir and 10% Chardonnay. The salmon hue offers rich fruit flavors of cherry, raspberry, and ripe strawberry with notes of Meyer lemon and toasted French baguette on the dry finish. An excellent value sparkler for either sipping with friends or pairing with lighter fare. Buy This Wine

Dec 262012
 
Mumm Napa Brut Rosé NV, Napa Valley, CA, $24 (S) – Rating 90

Enjoy this beautiful pink sparkler any time…not just a special occasion wine. A blend of predominately Pinot Noir with a bit of Chardonnay offering flavors of ripe red berry, raspberry and cherry with notes of toasty brioche on the long dry finish. Well-balanced acidity makes for an engaging romantic sipper or excellent food pairing wine. Our pairing with grilled salmon was a big success. Buy This Wine

Dec 042012
 
2005 J Vineyards Vintage Brut, Russian River Valley, CA, $48 (S) – Rating 90

A rich blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir  and Pinot Meunier with deep yeasty notes. Balanced bubbles with a toasty butterscotch nose followed by flavors of red apple and citrus with hints of butterscotch and a kiss of sweetness. Cellar aged for 5 years before the early 2012 release creating a wonderful sparkler with plenty of personality. Buy This Wine

Jul 102012
 
2008 Schramsberg Blanc de Noir North Coast, CA, $38 (S) – Rating 93

This wine never fails to impress. With 91% Pinot Noir and 9% crisp Chardonnay this robust sparkler offers a full round mouth-feel with subtle flavors of raspberry, orange peel, yeast and red fruit. Perfectly balanced acidity creates endless food pairing opportunities. Don’t wait for a celebration… Drink today! Buy This Wine

Feb 182012
 
NV J Brut Rose, Russian River Valley Sparkling Wine, CA $32 (S) – Rating 90

A full-bodied pinkish colored dry Pinot sparkler. Delicious flavors of juicy strawberry, ripe raspberry, citrus with hints of rhubarb and blood orange. A touch of toasty yeast and honey notes add to the complexity. Don’t wait for a celebration to pour this lovely. Paired beautifully with salmon, grilled rare .

Dec 292010
 
NV Sparkling Wine, Russsian River Valley, CA (S) $32 – Rating 90

Let’s talk sensual. Amorosa Bella ”beautiful lover” is headed by Dr. Charlyn Belluzzo, the author of “Authentic Sensual Living; Your Guide to Igniting All Your Senses and Enriching Your Life.” The winery promotes a sensual lifestyle by combining wines with candles, perfume, sensual music, art and lingerie. This rose colored blend of Pinot and Chardonnay is a crisp sexy baby that will put you in the “mood.”

Dec 292010
 
NV Napa Valley Sparkling Wine, Napa Valley, CA (S) $22 — Rating 93

Formerly known as Blanc de Noir, this blend of Pinot Noir with a touch of Chardonnay for power and structure is a sumptuous beauty. Looking for manly bubbles? Here’s the answer. A robust sparkler, it should be considered not just a celebration in your flute but a food pairing wine as well. Again accolades abound, WE – 93 and WS -90.