Today's Wine Review
NV Scharffenberger Champagne & Sparkling Wine "Brut Excellence" (10/26)
Winery: Scharffenberger
Vintage: NV
Wine Name/Vineyard: "Brut Excellence" (10/26)
Wine Category: Champagne & Sparkling Wine
Grape blend: 60% Chardonnay & 40% Pinot Noir
Bottle size: 750 ml
Region: Mendocino
State or country: CA
Price: $24
Cases produced: 20,000
KWG Score: 91.5 (based on 4 reviews)
Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good+ (92)
Review date: October 9, 2026
Wine Review: In the glass this very enjoyable, Mendocino County, California sparkler is medium golden yellow colored with many streams of small bubbles. Its bouquet shows green apple, sourdough bread, toasted hazelnut, and vanilla creme aromas. Quite frothy and slightly creamy on entry, the palate is medium-minus bodied and moderately acidic. The mouthfeel is bright, balanced, textured, and clean. The layered flavor profile has green apple, caramelized pear, crushed river stones, toasted brioche, and zesty lemon. I also picked up some notes of apricot, hazelnut, peach pit, and red currant, and a hint of baking spices. The lingering finish is dry and refreshing. Serve chilled with a raw bar. Enjoy - Mark
Winemaker Notes: Scharffenberger Brut Excellence is made using the méthode traditionnelle process, whereby the wines are individually bottle-fermented before being riddled and disgorged. After approximately two years on the lees, there are notes of freshly baked bread and pastry that enhance the more fruit forward style of the wine. Finally, after several months on the cork, the wine develops caramel and hazelnut complexors.
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