Probably one of the top 3 or 4 U.S. produced sparkling wines. This has a fairly strong acidity streak, which means that I should have picked a more smoothed out '93 instead of a '96. Also, it was served too warm. Nevertheless, once properly chilled, flavors of toasty sourdough bread, lemon zest, and ripe green apples shown through. I enjoyed this with the salmon covered crisp appetizers. 90/91

what price did you pay for this?

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HAPPY HOLIDAYS

$35

I was surprised by this sparkler. After having both the Roederer Estate NV Brut and NV Brut Rose in the last few weeks, I was expecting very crisp wine with a heck of a lot of citrus. This sparkler was much more rounded with a toasty nose of bran (think cereal – this was a theme with some of the early wines in the night). It had subdued lemon and tart red apple flavors.

I enjoyed this wine because I do not have much experience with vintage sparkling wine and concur with R2-D2’s rating of 90-91.

Thanks,
Rob

R2D2, I'm with you all the way. A home run in domestic sparklers. I bought all I could (7 bottles) several months ago. Super tasty each time (and I don't usually like champagne!!).

R2D2-

Good purchase! I picked up 6 bottles when the guide gave it 96 pts. By far the best Champagne for under $30 I have ever had. And I typically like the good stuff, Krug, Bollinger, etc. $29 best price on www.wine-searcher.com

I really liked the "middle" of this sparkler - very fine bubbles and creamy texture. However I was put off a bit by the nose - pickled ginger and somewhat metallic. Lots of lemon acidity on the finish. My glass wasn't chilled enough, so perhaps the temp brought out some uncharacteristic flavors. 88P

I didn't take any notes but would give this a score in the 90 point range.

VM