NV Scharffenberger Champagne & Sparkling Wine "Brut" (11/09)

Winery: Scharffenberger

Vintage: NV

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Brut" (11/09)

Wine Category: Champagne & Sparkling Wine

Grape blend: 65% Pinot Noir & 35% Chardonnay

Region: Anderson Valley

State or country: CA

Price: $19

Cases produced: 25,000

KWG Score: 91.2 (based on 5 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good (89.4)

Review date: November 5, 2009

Wine Review: This very affordable pale yellow with tiny bubbles colored sparkler was very popular with our panel this year. It finished in second place in our blind tasting. It opens with a doughy like bouquet with a hint of anise. On the palate, this wine is full bodied, balanced, and crisp. The flavor profile is a delicate lemon with a touch of green apple and toast. The finish is very dry and nicely refreshing. The panel will pair this with swordfish or oysters. Enjoy - KWGTP

Winemaker Notes: The wine is two thirds Pinot Noir which produces a red fruit forward nose (cherry and plum) combined with one-third Chardonnay which adds the tropical expression of lychee nut and mango. The 100% malolactic fermentation adds a vanilla cream character producing a round and full-bodied wine. After approximately two years on the lees, there are notes of freshly baked bread and pastry that enhances the more fruit forward style of the wine. Finally, after several months on the cork, the wine develops caramel and hazel complexors.

Organic status: not organic