Blanc de Blancs Varietal/Style: Blanc de Blancs Origin: Anderson Valley Vintage: 1995 Winemaker: Tex Sawyer Rating: 13/20 Retail Price: $26

Tasting Notes: The winery's first all-Chardonnay release since 1991, this American sparkling wine showcases the terroir of Mendocino's cool-climate Anderson Valley. While the nose exhibits a pleasing combination of vanilla and yeast, the rich variety of citrus flavors gives a clean finish. A lush mouth-feel benefits from 100 percent malolactic fermentation, a common practice in Champagne production but a rare attribution for a American sparkler. (Date tasted: 03/03/2000)

Profile: Although Jeff Scharffenberger abandoned the sparkling wine business for the world of premium chocolates, Scharffenberger Cellars continues to make premium sparkling wines after a few minor adjustments. Most importantly, the winery has changed its name to Pacific Echo Cellars, effective April 1, 2000. This image transformation was orchestrated by the new marketing agent, Clicquot, Inc. (as in the French Grand Dame of Champagne, Veuve Clicquot), to emphasize the winery's focus on the unique character of Anderson Valley grapes.
Since 1981, the winery has produced sparkling wines using only Anderson Valley fruit, provided by a number of local growers under long-term contracts. This commitment to Anderson Valley has resulted in a consistent style of wine with a level of quality that seems to increase with every vintage. In addition to its trademark NV Brut, the winery currently produces a Brut Rosé, Vintage Blancs de Blancs, Crémant and a widely praised and, unfortunately, extremely limited Private Reserve Vintage Brut.

Address
8501 Highway 128
City: Philo, CA USA
Phone: (707) 895-2065
E-mail: avfi@pacific.net

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