Iron Horse, Green Valley of Russian River Valley (Sonoma County, California) “Classic” Vintage Brut 2020 ($58)

Iron Horse, located just outside Healdsburg, has long been one of California’s standout sparkling wine producers. The estate focuses exclusively on still and sparkling expressions of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Their Classic Vintage Brut lands squarely in the center of the sparkling wine portfolio — bright acidity, crisp fruit, and rounding brioche notes. Iron Horse stays true to traditional method craftsmanship, with the second fermentation performed in the bottle, and this release could easily go toe-to-toe with a grower-producer Champagne.
93 Vince Simmon