“Highly stylized aroma of apple, banana, honey and malt. Flavors of apple, orange peel, butter and yeast are just unique. Freshens up the close.”

Five-Star California Sparkling Wines

“73 percent Pinot Noir, 27 percent Chardonnay; over five years aging on yeast. Big, rich, ripe, nougaty, fig and almond flavors; deep, long, resolute finish.”

“Very much made in the aged, angular mold as its Reserve sibling above, this younger wine is equally high in developed character and shares its brethren’s creamy, fine-pitched mousse. It is a bit more angular in the late going, but fans of the austere, toasty style will find happiness here.”

Best of Year Issue

“For starters, this is a very fine wine, architecturally clean, bone dry and strong in acids. It’s too young to fully enjoy now, though, all raw elbows and yeast. If you don’t mind that edgy sharpness, try it as an aperitif, but it will benefit from five years or longer in the cellar.”