Dec 112014
 
J Vineyards Cuvee 20 Brut NV, Russian River Valley, CA, $28 (S) – Rating 90

J Cuvee 20This affordable sparkling wine from J Vineyards is another reason why bubbles should be an every day affair. A crisp nose of lemon, tropicals and yeasty brioche. Bright acidity with a plush mouth-feel gives way to notes of Meyer lemon, tropicals, citrus, pear and flaky croissant. Elegant minerality in the long finish. Buy This Wine

 

Jun 032014
 
Mumm Napa Brut RoseMumm Napa Brut Rose NV, Napa Valley Sparkling Wine, Napa Valley, CA $24 (S) – Rating 90

A festive go-to sparkler. Predominately Pinot Noir with a small amount of Chardonnay blended in. A soft mouth-feel with balanced acidity combined with a soft nose offering hints of rose pedal, raspberry, strawberry and yeasty pie crust. On the palate, flavors of red cherry, strawberry, raspberry, spice and a touch of rhubarb. No need to wait to celebrate to enjoy these bubbles. Buy This Wine

Mar 032014
 
JCB No. 69 Rosé, Dry Sparkling Wine, Burgundy, $60 (S) – Rating 90

This is one of my favorite go-to dry sparklers because it has plenty of body, acidity and depth to enjoy with food or all on it’s own. 100% Pinot Noir from Burgundy, salmon-colored with lots of bubbles. Aromas of strawberry and delicate floral notes. An encompassing mouth-feel with crisp acidity and balanced flavors of raspberry, strawberry and bright red cherry. Subtle hints of strawberry jam on finish. Buy This Wine

Feb 272014
 
 JCB No. 65 Brut 2006 by Jean-Charles Boisset, French Sparkling Wine, CA, $60 (S) – Rating 92

A beautiful and expressive Blanc de Noirs Crémant de Bourgogne. The nose is soft, offering aromas of honeycomb combined with floral notes. Soft and round on the palate with balanced acidity. Creamy and well-integrated flavors of vanilla, ripe pineapple and other tropicals. A long toasty finish. Enjoy with  soft cheeses or creamy apps. Don’t wait for a celebration to experience. Buy This Wine

Jul 282013
 
2008 Schramsberg Vineyards Brut Rosé, North Coast CA, $42 (S) – Rating 92

Now that’s what I’m talking about! So delicious and decadent. A salmon colored blend of 65% Pinot Noir, 35% Chardonnay sourced 39% from Napa, 36% Sonoma, 21% Mendocino and 4% Marin. Plenty of flavor yet elegant both in color and on the palate. A soft nose of strawberry and cranberry gives way to a crisp mouth-feel offering tart flavors of strawberry and cranberry with hints of spice, toasty yeast and sour cherry on the finish. Perfect food pairing acidity. Don’t wait for a celebration to enjoy this sparkler. Buy This Wine