NV J Vineyards Champagne & Sparkling Wine "Cuvee 20" (12/09)

Winery: J Vineyards

Vintage: NV

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Cuvee 20" (12/09)

Wine Category: Champagne & Sparkling Wine

Grape blend: 49% Chardonnay, 49% Pinot Noir, & 2% Pinot Meunier

Region: Russian River Valley

State or country: CA

Price: $20

Cases produced: 22,800

KWG Score: 90.2 (based on 4 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good+ (90)

Review date: December 8, 2009

Wine Review: Attention bubbleheads, here is a sparkling wine that deserves your attention this holiday season. This pale yellow offering with tiny bubbles opens with a yeasty light lime like bouquet. On the palate, this sparkler shows forward, yet mild acidity with lemon flavors. There are notes of minerality and dough notes mixed in. We also detected a touch of light grapefruit as well. Overall it was a delightful experience. The finish is rather dry, tingly, and pleasantly refreshing. This impressive sparkler would be a very nice opener to serve slightly cool with bacon wrapped scallops at your parties during the holiday season. Enjoy - Ken

Winemaker Notes: The non-vintage J Cuvee 20 Brut gracefully opens up with crisp lemon peel, honeysuckle and delicate yeast aromas. Upon entry, these notes are followed by a mix of Fuji apple, grapefruit and a sweet hint of angel food cake. The mid-palate is interlaced with toast, caramel and almond flavors. The acidity adds just enough liveliness and the citrus zest leads to a lingering, warm pear and lush finish.

Organic status: not organic