varietal: Sparkling

Georges Cartier Champagne Blend Tradition Brut

96
Georges Cartier
Fanciful Name: Tradition Brut
Varietal: Champagne Blend
Country of Origin: France
Appellation: Champagne
Retail Price: $61.00

Tasting Notes: With a majority of the wine produced using pinot meunier, the fruit really shines in this outstanding example of high-quality Champagne. Brilliant pale gold, with a fine and delicate mousse, the nose and palate showcase the superb fruit, as well as the extended aging in bottle. Complexity and lovely fruit are the dominant aspects of this superb sparkler.
Georges Cartier Champagne Blend Tradition Brut

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Quinta do Crasto Touriga Nacional 2016

97
Quinta do Crasto
Varietal: Touriga Nacional
Vintage: 2016
Country of Origin: Portugal
Appellation: Douro
Retail Price: $79.00

Tasting Notes: Exceptionally dense bright purple in the glass, the nose is dominated by dark berry fruit, with a subtle floral hint. Lush and weighty on the palate, with rich fruit and tannins, the finish lingers and lingers. Delicious now, it's also a great candidate for aging.
Quinta do Crasto Touriga Nacional 2016

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Gloria Ferrer Chardonnay Blanc de Blancs

93
Gloria Ferrer
Fanciful Name: Blanc de Blancs
Varietal: Chardonnay
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: Carneros
Retail Price: $35.00

Tasting Notes: This lovely, 100% chardonnay sparkling wine reveals lots of bright apple citrus fruit, with subtle floral hints. In the mouth, the wine's energy is apparent, with lovely effervescence and plenty of fruit. The finish is quite lengthy, with excellent balance.
Gloria Ferrer Chardonnay Blanc de Blancs

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Piper Sonoma Brut Réserve Champagne Blend

94
Piper Sonoma
Fanciful Name: Brut Réserve
Varietal: Champagne Blend
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: Sonoma County
Retail Price: $27.00

Tasting Notes: Nearly all chardonnay, with a balancing dollop of pinot noir added, the wine is brilliant gold in the glass, with a touch of green. The nose is dominated by bright tropical and citrus fruit, with hints of spice. In the mouth, the elegant sparkling wine is refreshing and delicious. A versatile, lovely wine.
Piper Sonoma Brut Réserve Champagne Blend

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Gloria Ferrer Royal Cuvée 2015

95
Gloria Ferrer
Fanciful Name: Royal Cuvée
Varietal: Champagne Blend
Vintage: 2015
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: Carneros
Retail Price: $65.00

Tasting Notes: The Royal Cuvée with a blend of 2/3 pinot noir, and 1/3 chardonnay enjoys an extended time in bottle for its secondary fermentation, resulting in wonderful complexity and a delicate mousse. The nose and palate reveal lots of apple and citrus notes, as well as bight, clean fruit in the mouth. The finish is very long and quite expressive.
Gloria Ferrer Royal Cuvée 2015

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Ferrari Rosé Blend

93
Ferrari
Varietal: Rosé Blend
Country of Origin: Italy
Appellation: Trento
Retail Price: $37.99

Tasting Notes: A blend of pinot noir and chardonnay, with the secondary fermentation in the bottle, there is a lot to enjoy. After 20 months of aging in the bottle, the nose and palate enjoy an attractive complexity, with subtle red fruit at its core. A superb and lengthy finish lingers on.
Ferrari Rosé Blend

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Villa Sandi Glera Il Fresco Millesimato Brut Rosé 2021

94
Villa Sandi
Fanciful Name: Il Fresco Millesimato Brut Rosé
Varietal: Glera
Vintage: 2021
Country of Origin: Italy
Appellation: Prosecco
Retail Price: $22.00

Tasting Notes: Brilliant pink in the glass, this bend of glera, with a touch of pinot nero, has plenty to offer. Fresh red fruit and a floral note highlight the nose, while the palate follows with the same profile, but adding a smooth texture, with a long and lingering finish.
Villa Sandi Glera Il Fresco Millesimato Brut Rosé 2021

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Chemistry Pinot Noir Rosé Bubbles

94
Chemistry
Fanciful Name: Rosé Bubbles
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: Willamette Valley
Retail Price: $20.00

Tasting Notes: Produced in collaboration between two of the Willamette Valley's best known producers, this lively bottle of bubbles provides plenty of rich fruit, stone and melon. There's a very pleasant weight in the mouth, and an attractive, well-balanced finish.
Chemistry Pinot Noir Rosé Bubbles

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Domaine de la Taille aux Loups Chenin Blanc Tradition Brut

90
Domaine de la Taille aux Loups
Fanciful Name: Tradition Brut
Varietal: Chenin Blanc
Country of Origin: France
Appellation: Montlouis-sur-Loire
Retail Price: $30.00

Tasting Notes: 100% chenin blanc from 40-year-old vines. Initially fermented in used oak, then bottle fermented, just like Champagne. A fine bead invites, with aromas of dark, wheat toast, apple, beer and citrus.
Domaine de la Taille aux Loups Chenin Blanc Tradition Brut

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Gusbourne Brut Rosé

97
Gusbourne
Fanciful Name: Brut Rosé
Varietal: Sparkling
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Appellation: Kent
Retail Price: $79.99

Tasting Notes: Yes, you read that correctly, England. Southern England shares much of the same characteristics as the Champagne region of France. This combination of chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier creates a wine with a profile similar to some Champagne houses’ top offering, at a much more attractive price. Elegant berry, cherry and tree fruit notes abound on the nose and palate. Lovely mouthfeel and the long finish add to the wine's appeal.
Gusbourne Brut Rosé

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Sea Smoke Sea Spray Blanc de Noir 2014

96
Sea Smoke
Fanciful Name: Sea Spray Blanc de Noirs
Varietal: Sparkling
Vintage: 2014
Country of Origin: United States
Appellation: Sta. Rita Hills
Retail Price: $99.99

Tasting Notes: 100% pinot noir, which was hand-harvested early from select lots of the biodynamically farmed estate vineyards. Vinified in the traditional methode champenoise method, with a regimented sur lie and bottle aging program. Light touches of color, beautiful minerality and subtle yeast notes reflect an elegant wine with balanced acidity. A wonderful excuse to treat yourself to the best for any occasion!
Sea Smoke Sea Spray Blanc de Noir 2014

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Seconde Collard La Cuvee Perpetuelle Grand Cru

95
Champagne Secondé-Collard
Fanciful Name: La Cuvée Perpétuelle
Varietal: Champagne
Country of Origin: France
Appellation: Champagne Grand Cru
Retail Price: $99.99

Tasting Notes: This is a phenomenal value for a Grand Cru. 70% pinot noir and 30% chardonnay. This cuvee accounts for both its roundness and fresh palate. Notes of black fruits, black currants and cherry are balanced out by roasted almonds.
Seconde Collard La Cuvee Perpetuelle Grand Cru

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