Everything about this sparkling wine is somewhat surprising, and in many ways astonishing. First of all, it is produced using Malbec grapes. That’s 100 percent Malbec. As in the inky red wine Malbec made popular in Argentina. Second, the grapes are farmed organically in Mendocino County, from the Rennie Vineyard. Third, it wasn’t aged very long on the lees despite the fact the methode champenoise technique was used. And finally, the biggest surprise of all, it is absolutely delicious, showing delicate strawberry notes and exquisite balance.
Yorkville Cellars, Yorkville Highlands (Mendocino County, California) 2013
By Robert Whitley