Graham Beck, Robertson (South Africa) 2012

 Many Americans wine lovers have never even tried a bottle of bubbly from South Africa, and this might well be the bottle to show such people, as it is phenomenally good by any standard, and an absolute steal relative to its selling price.  The base Chardonnay fruit is sourced entirely from the estate, including only the first round of delicately pressed juice.  It shows very delicate flavors and excellent freshness thanks to lemony acidity, yet there’s nothing austere or screechy about the finish, despite a very modest dosage of just 5.2 grams of sugar.  Fresh and fine.