“Methode Champenoise” Brut from El Dorado? Who knew? As surprised as I was to discover this wine, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality. Making a range of table wine and earning high marks for its Rhone wines and Zinfandel, Gwinllan produced under 400 cases of this Brut. After night harvesting both Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in mid-August, owner/winemaker Gordon Pack adhered to classic champagne methods. Disgorged in June, 2020, this Brut displays a fresh lemony, apple aroma with slight yeastiness, and on the palate it offers a balanced impression of fruit and yeast. The apple flavors come through in the crisp, long lasting finish. A Rosé and Blanc de Blancs are other sparkling wines this winery makes from its high elevation vineyards in the Sierra Foothills. So, now we know.
Gwinllan Estate Vineyard and Winery, El Dorado (Sierra Foothills, California) 2018
By Norm Roby