Winemaker Notes
A vibrant and approachable California Cuvée opens with a pop of tart pineapple and orange blossom on the wonderfully aromatic nose. The palate is lively and rich with layered notes of Asian pear and honeysuckle, overlaying hints of fresh mandarin peel and marzipan before a zesty, focused finish.
Blend: 61% Chardonnay, 36% Pinot Noir, 3% Pinot Meunier
Professional Ratings
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Decanter
Lovely creamy nose of butterscotch, cashew, golden apple and pear. Intriguing palate with crisp, ripe flavours and a soft mousse. Blend : 57% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir, 3% Pinot Meunier
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James Suckling
Toasty and slightly spicy on the nose, this wine offers abundant citrus fruit flavors, a nearly dry feel and good chalky, mineral elements. Medium-bodied with grapefruit, lemons, limes and white pepper. Made from 54% chardonnay, 42% pinot noir and 4% pinot meunier.
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.