Bubbly Tasting Notes for Wednesday, 11/7/12

NCWC BUBBLY TASTING 11/7/12

SEGURA VIUDAS HEREDAD BRUT RESERVA
You might have trouble deciding what’s prettier, the bottle or what’s inside it. “A selection of macabeo and parellada grown at estate vineyards in the Alt Penedes, Reserva Heredad is a complex and heady Cava that delivers on its richness without sweetness. Its potent depth of flavor has a smoky minerality and fresh apple-skin notes. This is full and meaty enough to serve with roast chicken or veal meatballs.” 92 points Wine & Spirits. $21.97

ARGYLE BRUT
Prepare to be fascinated by this alluring sparkling vintage. The aromas are a weaving together of the best that fine sparkling wines deliver. Look for vanilla spiced pear fruit with very floral citrus blossom scents. A lovely yeastiness blends nicely with fresh baguette bouquet. There’s a hint of Fresca-like citrus in there too. The palate is VIBRANT and chock full of tiny bubbles. Pear to red apple fruit folds nicely into vanilla spice. The texture is creamy-plus, providing amazing richness while remaining zippy and citrusy. The yeast flavor has evolved into filo dough right out of the oven. These flavors go on and on after the wine is gone. 90 points Wine Spectator and Wine Advocate. $20.97

JACQUART BRUT MOSAIQUE CHAMPAGNE
This is a very stylish and grown-up Champagne, with a light golden color and small, even bubbles. On the nose there is a dominant note of lemon and crisp apple fruit, with just a touch of yeast and cashew. On the palate the mousse is rolling and full, and the Champagne is immediately assertive with bold herbal and citrus fruit that immediately sets the mouth watering. A softer, pillowing breadth starts to fill in, yet the wine stays very focused and savoury, with lovely weight and texture, and a cutting acidity that really sharpens the finish. 90 points Wine Spectator. $26.97

BILLECART-SALMON BRUT RESERVE CHAMPAGNE
This beautiful brut reserve is composed of 40% Pinot Meunier, 30% Pinot Noir, and 30% Chardonnay. Orange and pear aromas are complemented by notes of vanilla bean and honeysuckle. It is undeniably silky in texture and nicely precise, with juicy orchard fruit flavors and a tangy note of Meyer lemon. Dry but in no way austere, the Billecart-Salmon lends depth and energy smoothly and finishes with excellent clarity and nervy cut.” 91 points Wine Enthusiast and International Wine Cellar. $49.97