Local competition is tough in Mendocino for sparkling wine makers, but Yorkville Cellars doesn’t mind jumping into the fray with Roederer Estate, Handley, Navarro, et al., and smartly puts a new spin on things, sourcing Malbec from its own organic vineyards and coming up with a bright, dry strawberry and spice focused wine that includes hints of watermelon and lychee. It’s lively and fresh, and promises to disappear quickly. If you like to tease your wine snob friends in blind tastings like I do, you’ll want to pick up the phone and pick up some of this unique bubbly.
Yorkville Cellars, Yorkville Highlands (Mendocino, California) Malbec 2013
By Rich Cook