Reviews & Ratings

NV Scharffenberger Champagne & Sparkling Wine "Brut Excellence" (12/23)

Winery: Scharffenberger

Vintage: NV

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Brut Excellence" (12/23)

Wine Category: Champagne & Sparkling Wine

Grape blend: 60% Chardonnay & 40% Pinot Noir

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Mendocino

State or country: CA

Price: $23

Cases produced: 20,000

KWG Score: 88.7 (based on 2 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good+ (90.5)

Review date: December 2, 2023

Wine Review: Festive and lively, this sparkler from Mendocino California is pale straw in color with lots of small bubbles. The nose includes yeasty bread dough, apricot, ruby grapefruit, and wet river rock. On the palate, it has refreshing froth and medium plus acidity, with a medium body, good balance, and a lightly creamy mouthfeel. There are flavors of green apple, brioche, ginger, crushed stone, caramel, and some kitchen spice. The finish is crisp and lingers for a while. Serve with a creamy baked crab dip. - Mark

Winemaker Notes: Scharffenberger Brut Excellence is made by the méthode traditionelle process, whereby the wines are individually bottle-fermented before being riddled and disgorged. The wine is approximately 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir. The full malolactic style 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 notes.

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