‘Tis the season to toast — A LOT. Some of you have waited all year for this: I know, I’m with you! In past years, I have highlighted various Italian sparkling wines, but, this year, I am sharing five fabulous Californian sparkling wines made in the Classic Methos (aka Champagne Method). CHEERS!
“Too much of anything is bad, but too much Champagne is just right.”
Iron Horse Ocean Reserve Blanc de Blancs 2015 - $54
Green Valley AVA, Sonoma
100% Chardonnay
Hailing from from one of the coolest, foggiest, and smallest appellations in Sonoma, Iron Horse’s Ocean Reserve is consistently one of my favorite Californian sparkling wines. Plus, you can give yourself a second pat on your back as four dollars from every bottle is donated to National Geographic’s Ocean Initiative, which creates protected marine areas and promotes sustainable fishing around the world. Citrus notes abound, especially lime and tangerine, alongside mineral notes and a creamy finish.
Breathless Sparkling Rosé - $33
North Coast AVA (Mendocino)
96% Pinot Noir, 3% Pinot Meunier, 1% Chardonnay
Made by Penny Gadd-Coster, a sparkling wine master, it is no surprise that the Breathless Sparkling Rosé is beautifully balanced and has a finish that lingers. Notes of cherries and strawberries, with a touch of cinnamon and cream and a refreshing acidity.
“Take everything in moderation, including moderation.”
Domaine Carneros Jardin d’Hiver Cuvee 2013 - $59
Carneros AVA, Napa
51% Estate-grown Pinot Noir, 49% Estate-grown Chardonnay
This is a new cuvée for Domaine Carneros, a late-disgorged ultra brut, named after the Art Nouveau conservatory-style addition to one of its terraces, Jardin d’Hiver (Winter Garden). Delicate aromas of vanilla, apple, rose and chalky minerals while creamy lemon curd and lime zest entertain the palate. The size of the bubbles will have you singing Don Ho!
Roederer L’Ermitage Brut 2012 - $50
Anderson Valley AVA, Mendocino
52% Chardonnay, 48% Pinot Noir - 4% aged reserve wine, vintage 2007
L’Ermitage is a special cuvée only made in optimal grape-growing years from a selection of the best estate fruit. What makes this sparkling wine even more unique for California is that the wine for the reserve dosage is aged five years in French Oak. This is a toasty one that would not be out of place fireside. Apples, peach, lemon and roasted nuts abound; Rich and creamy, but balanced with a good level of acidity.
“There comes a time in every woman’s life when the only thing that helps is a glass of Champagne.”
Schramsberg Blanc de Noir 2015 - $43
North Coast AVA (Mendocino, Sonoma and Napa)
81% Pinot Noir, 19% Chardonnay
One of Schramsberg’s claims to fame is that it brought the Blanc de Noirs style (White of Black; meaning white wine made from red grapes) to the US with its first bottle in 1967. The grapes are sourced from cool-climate vineyards from Anderson Valley, Carneros and coastal areas of Sonoma. It offers a brioche, toasted almond and baking spice bouquet; on the palate, zesty lemon, ginger, strawberry and vanilla. Medium-bodied and balanced.
Cheers to a HAPPY AND HEALTHY new year and decade!
““For last year’s words belong to last year’s language. And next year’s words await another voice. And to make an end is to make a beginning.” ”
Does a Californian Sparkling Wine Tour Sound Like Fun?
…But, you don’t want the headache of organizing your own vacation?
I would be happy to curate an ebullient wine tour for you in Sonoma or Napa, tasting through exceptional sparkling wines in stunning settings. Whether you just need a little help planning and booking your trip, or you would like a more guided experience, I am here to help!
