Schramsberg, North Coast (California) 2016

 Once upon a time Schramsberg was the shining beacon for any U.S. winery considering sparkling wine production.  It still is, though others have stepped up as examples as well.  If done right, sparkling wine production is time consuming and expensive.  It seems Schramsberg spares no expense.  The 2016 Blanc de Noirs exhibits the nuance of age, often absent from New World sparklers, with subtle notes of maturity and the richness that only develops in bubbly over time.  This vintage of Schramsberg’s Blanc de Noirs shows hints of red fruits, baked apple and stone fruits, with impressive palate length and a fine, persistent mousse.