Handley, Anderson Valley (Mendocino County, California) 2015

 This charming bubbly is made from 100 percent Chardonnay grapes grown in the Handley family’s Block 3B, some of the first grapes planted in Anderson Valley and in the Handley vineyard.  Tiny bubbles shine in the pale golden wine and lift enticing aromas of apple, lemon and freshly baked pastry.  It is light and lively on the tongue, with flavors of fresh pears, Granny Smith apples with a touch of spiced toasty nuts.  A lush roundness in the wine’s texture balances the bubbles and bright acidity.  It will be welcome as an aperitif, with buttered popcorn and a movie or sauteed scallops in lemon butter.