Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2017 Tradition Sparkling Wine is made from 54% Pinot Noir and 46% Chardonnay. It's made using the traditional method and is intentionally crafted to be a bit more oxidative and open than the Ultramarine sparklings. The nose explodes to gregarious aromas of chalk, freshly baked brioche and crushed almonds with a lush core of peachy fruits and honeyed nuances. The palate is all class, with those ripe fruits reigned in by chalky undertones and framed by fine, featherweight mousse, and it finishes long and toasty.
California enjoys a long history and proven reputation as an admirable source of sparkling wines. Agoston Haraszthy, who established Buena Vista Winery in the mid 1850s, first attempted to make traditional method sparkling wine in California in the 1870s. Shortly thereafter Korbel followed, and with great success. Today domestic producers such as Schramsberg, Iron Horse and J. Wine Co remain at the forefront of the market.
Since the 1970s the state has consistently attracted the attention and investment of large and respected European and French-based firms who are responsible for Domaine Chandon, Mumm-Napa Valley, Roederer Estate and Domaine Carneros (Taittinger), to name a few. Anderson Valley and Carneros remain standout regions for top quality Pinot noir and Chardonnay for these.