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Scharffenberger Mendocino Brut ($16): the dark, concentrated toasty aromas that waft up from the glass are in the glass, too, along with animal-cracker sweetness in the attack and refreshing, mouthwatering acidity toward the finish. |
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Domaine Chandon California "Brut Classic" ($17): if you like Chardonnay, this could be your bubbly; it’s subtler than Chard, but with similar breadth on your palate and warmth in the finish. Nice fizzy texture, too. |
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Gloria Ferrer Sonoma Brut ($18): offers appealing aromas of sweet Chardonnay and fresh wheat toast followed by an impressive flood of cool fruit when you sip; the initial sweetness mists away discretely for a dry, refreshing finish. |
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Schramsberg North Coast Brut "Mirabelle" ($19): the aromas are outgoing, yeasty, and almost grapey; in your mouth, it’s a reverse of the usual sparkling ride, starting out with savory citrus notes and evolving toward a sweeter aftertaste. |
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Mumm Napa California “Brut Prestige” ($19): it looks, feels and tastes celebratory, from the bright, fruity aromas full of citrus flower to the buoyant, crisp, and fizzy taste of liquid tea biscuits flowing over your tongue. |
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Domaine Carneros Carneros Brut 2001 ($24): exudes refinement, with the delicate, high-toned aromas followed by quince, citrus, and coconut elegantly accenting discreet Chardonnay and Pinot Noir flavors; the mouth-filling aftertaste goes on and on. |
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Iron Horse Vineyards Sonoma Green Valley Brut “Wedding Cuvée” 2001 ($30): a serious wine with many dimensions; cool, clean floral and fruit aromas, darker and honeyed apple flavors, and an expansive finish that adds back the high tones. |
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J Wine Company Russian River Brut 1999 ($30): shyly delicate in its Chardonnay-like aromas, this bubbly is surprisingly fruity, almost peachy, in your mouth; there’s also a nice frothy texture and good balance of sweet and savory in the finish. |
