Gloria Ferrer, Carneros (California) 2016

 This is a recent addition to the portfolio, and it does a lot more than simply capitalize on the public’s current thirst for all things pink.  The Carneros Cuvée line goes back into the 1990s, and it’s always one of the last to be released among California’s prestige sparklers.  The Rosé, as you might expect, releases much earlier, no doubt partially to do with the ongoing demand.  But it’s also about the freshness that makes a sparkling Rosé so attractive.  The first vintage (2013) went quickly, as has the 2015, so don’t wait if you want to enjoy lively cranberry, strawberry and citrus zest aromas and flavors that ride a creamy palate texture through a long, refreshing finish.  Excellent!