Tasting Notes

Gloria Ferrer Brut Rose, 2003

Mumm is NOT the word.

Instead, try this fabulous rose made almost entirely from Pinot Noir (with a tiny bit of Chardonnay), a cuvee of 13 base wines fermented in stainless steel, all the fruit from Carneros.

This wine almost glows with a deep salmon pink, as it exudes a pleasant strawberry aroma. On the palate it delivers more cherry fruit than toast, and while many taste an underlying citrus, I don't. A slight initial perception of sweetness ends in a crisp finish. Wine Spectator gave it 90 points, but I recommend this one anyway! To truly enjoy it, sip it on the terrace at the Gloria Ferrer winery. For the view, just look to the top of this web page!

Sjoeblom Chauvignon Reserve, 2001

A Blanc de Noir sparkling wine, crafted in the methode champenoise...but made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon! Who knew?

Clean and crisp, with flavors of toast, cherry and a hint of raspberry, this is a truly unique beverage. I poured it at a recent tasting and have never had so many positive and enthusiastic comments from people who rarely drink champagne or other sparkling wines. Available only from the winery, www.sjoeblom.com, as far as I know.

The downside? The folks at Sjoeblom are usurious in their shipping charges in my view, and were eight months late in getting this vintage to market, keeping me and a lot of others waiting long after we'd paid. A second order is now late and is being blamed on some glitches in their shipping software (the dog ate their Internet connection). These would seem to be basics for a one-note winery that sells primarily direct-to-consumer. But this is really good stuff, so I'll put up with a bit of their silliness. A bit.

Schramsberg Blanc de Noirs Brut, 2002

Speaking of Schramsberg, this blend of 85% Pinot Noir and 15% Chardonnay from California's "first family" of sparkling wine is a truly outstanding domestic sparkler. A nose of hazelnuts and almonds is followed by distinct cherry and noticeable vanilla flavors and a little bit of citrus. Very well-balanced with a tight, crisp finish. Superb. Try this one with cheeses, even a classic bleu or Stilton - it will stand up to the task.

In all my trips to Napa I haven't managed to time a visit such that I could get an honest tour of Schramsberg's caves, cut into the hills to the west of Calistoga by Chinese laborers in the 1880s...even when I pulled a few strings with Bill Davies, son of founders Jack and Jamie Davies and a winemaker in his own right. But it hasn't diminished my appreciation of this wine.

Domaine Chandon Brut Classic NV (non-vintage)

This is great value in an "everyday" sparkling wine that can be had for as little as $10, up to about $18-19 (retail). Don't pay more than that. Chandon Brut is made from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and delivers a markedly toasty, sherry-like aroma and a nutty flavor with hints of pear and malt. Solid but not bracing acidity and a nice, bone-dry finish. This ain't Shramsberg, to be sure, but Chandon delivers consistent, high-quality sparkling wine from its caves alongside Route 29 in Yountville. One of the best tours in Napa, too, and lunch on the terrace there is one of my favorite things to do.