A wonderful showing and seemed quite youthful at 20 years of age. Moderate effervescence, loads of honeyed cherry and lemon along with a caramel note. There is a touch of yeast in there as well.
It was a great run with you Gloria....
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HAPPY NEW YEAR! Toasty mature sparkler that was drinking very nicely. Bubbles tiny and strong, yeasty toasted notes on the palate. Fine finish. A nice start to 2021.
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Imagine my surprise when I found this bottle, forgotten in the back of my cellar, and thought it couldn't possible still be good. But it was. Properly cellared since release, it was an enjoyable American sparkling wine. Still a crowd pleaser but not for the true French champagne lovers either.
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Frankly, I was expecting more from this wine. My two previous experiences were mediocre to good (84 and 87 points), but they were five and six years ago, respectively, and I had hopes that more time in the bottle would improve it, bring out more nuance, more interest. Sadly, that did not happen. But don't get me wrong; this is not a bad wine. It's just not a very good one. Simple and straightforward notes of ripe red apples and candied ginger. Lacks finesse and precision. Clunky finish. Not too bad for $20 perhaps. But at that price point, I prefer Domaine Carneros.
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I have to thank Brad Baker for the recommendation on this one. Despite being a cali sparkler, this can hold its own with any decent champagne in the $30 to $50 price range. If you like rich pinot centric champagne's with some depth to them, then you will like the Royal Cuvee (especially with a little bit of age on it). It has lots of fruit up front, with nice depth, followed by almonds, toast, bread dough, spices, and cream. It is a little bit sweet, but that is a relatively minot complaint given its affordable $20 price point.
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Once again this Gloria Ferrer was drinking very well and is an incredible value for roughly $20 per bottle. This wine puts many $50 to $65 bottles of champagne to shame (which is not an easy feat for a Cali sparkler). The flavors included oranges, pineapple, cinnamon, cream, toast, almonds, and spices. As I noted in my previous review, this sparkler leaned a bit to much on the heavy side, but that is only a minor complaint. The length was also impressive.
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This is one of the best non-champagne sparkling wines that I have tried. In fact, in a blind taste test, the 2001 Royal Cuvee would be very easy to mistake for a decent mid-range vintage champagne. The flavors are very pinot centric with juicy up front fruit, nuts, toast, bread dough, and cream along with good length. The only complaint I have is that it is a bit heavy and ponderous at times and is a bit to sweet. Regardless, this is an incredible value for a California sparkler and is a strong overall value at around $20 per bottle.
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Very nice sparkler with a few years still left in it but probably at or very near its peak now. Asian pear and apple dominate the nose and continue through the palate where they are joined by toast and a hint of floral. The palate is full and round with few sharp edges and the finish is of a medium length.
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Opened two years after bottle #1 - and at least as good. Same group of 6 as two years ago, but it took us a little longer this time to consume this one (maybe we are getting too old to stay up until midnight?)
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Some American bubbles to celebrate the 4th of July.
Very pale golden color, light to medium bubble structure. Pretty soapy/floral nose. Big flavors of honeyed cherry and strawberry. Apple based acidity. Back on form! Fabulous. Only 3 left......
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Alas, even those most trusted can let you down. I would still rate this bottle 83-85 with a flaw. The bubbles were fine and wonderful and there was distinct acidity, but there was a dominant secondary flavor of plasticy wood. You could still taste green apples but the honeyed fruit flavors I tasted in the past were nowhere to be found.
And then there were 4.....
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In this corner from Sonoma weighing in at 113lbs., Gloria Ferrer. And representing France, Louis Roederer! And our winner from California, Go-go Gloria! I figured my favorite NV Champagne would trounce the house bubbly but tonight's dinner party delivered a unanimous decision. Perhaps it was an off bottle of Louis Roederer Brut Premier (see tasting note) but Gloria was grandiose again. As with the last bottle a few nights ago, this one had a touch of honeyed fruits that would make me label this extra-dry vs. brut. The alcohol was buried under the elegant lemon and apple flavors. $%&#@! Only 5 bottles left.
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Once again the house bubbly doesn't fail to please. This one comes off a bit more extra-dry than brut. The lemon and apple flavors are a touch honeyed and very creamy. Delish! Too bad the Ralph's manager hasn't hooked us up the last few weeks. Down to 6 left.
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Still delivering the goods. Once again, elegant simplicity dominates. Toasty flavors frame the lemon and green apple flavors. Strong acidity gives this a fabulous freshness. Alcohol is nowhere to be seen, perfectly blended into the wine.
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Can't believe we keep finding this for $13.50. Again, simple and elegant. Toasty, lemony flavors. I really enjoy how the alcohol is seamlessly integrated.
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Found this on major markdown at Ralph's (Southern California). $13.50! What an incredible deal. This comes off as simple but in a good way. A toasty start turns into lemon and apple and wraps up with an impressive creamy lingering finish. I'm tempted to cleave off all the manager's specials labels and slap them on some of the full priced bottles ($29.99!) in the regular wine section.
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Nice and crisp and paired very well with some cheese and caviar. A wee bit sweet for me, but for the most part it live up to it's BRUT rating and is very dry.
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A little disappointing considering the Spectator review. Immediate reaction upon tasting was too sweet, but nice acidity and overall a good QPR sparkler. Ready to drink now - I would not wait on this one.
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Medium gold. Nose dough, lemon, and chalk. On the palate creamy with chalk, mineral, lemon and lime. Medium finish but lacks the concentration of flavors of previous bottles.
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Easter party favor. Nice golden green color. Good bubbles. more yeasty and creamy than dry. More off-dry, but the toast and light creme freche was nice. Good value at this price. I would not hold this any longer. Drink and enjoy.
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Nice wine! This was our house sparkler all last year. Not amazing, but very solidly made. It has actually aged quite well. Very good QPR. Would certainly buy this again.
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NYE sparkler. Apple, pie crust and strawberry - it really showed off the pinot component. A nice sparkler and given the price, a great substitute for Champagne, but not quite up to the WS hype.
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Toast with hint of almonds on finish. Fresh, crisp with tart grapefruit on front palate. For the price, a tremendous value that's continuing to improve with age.
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Remarkably similar to a year ago. Still a bit of that "out of sorts" harsh feeling to it, which I had hoped would have resolved by now...tight and a bit ungiving. After 60 minutes in the glass, considerably better flavors though the fizz is understandably gone. If this pulls together, it will be great. I was reading one person's opinion that various vintages of this need 5 years to show their stuff. I don't doubt it based on the 3 bottles I've had over the last 12 months.
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Clear golden grass color. Deep toast and floral elements. Citrus and Melba toast on the palate. Very nice with Crab dip and cheese apps prior to the big Thanksgiving feast. Great way to open the palatte!
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Nose of citrus, green apple, toast, yeast, meyer lemon. On the palate, golden delicious apple, white toast, spice, lemon peel. Finishes bone dry. Drink now. Great value
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Lot of toast and yeast initially on the nose with some nice lemony citrus. Settled into more of a strawberry and hints of tropical fruit. Nice nose. Palate had nice acidity, with a really, really long finish. Good toasty and yeasty notes. The strawberry and tropical citrus flavors stood out. Has a minerality feel to it that reminds me of wet stones. Quite enjoyable.
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Intense aromas of candied ginger, red apples, and chalk. All power and no finesse, this wine attacks the palate with muddled ripe fruit and a fairly high dosage. Perhaps a step up for the White Star set, but far too obvious and overdone for those who are fans of Champagne.
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This wine was disapointing, given the ratings that WS gave it. I thought it thin and weak, rather like a stainless fermented chard with little character.
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Solid CA sparkler. Fine bead, and nice lacing, initially; bubbles tapered off considerably after 10 min or so; not quite as airy as a quality champ., but it's hard to argue with a $19 sparkler that tastes this good - solid QPR, I would buy again.
Gut impression score: 90 - 91
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Nice apple and citrus flavors, a little bit of nuttyness, some good acidity, nice long finish; probably would go better with food, but I prefer a bit "creamier" style of champagne/sparkling wine
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Very crisp with focused acidity. Pear and toast notes on the nose. Lemon flavors highlight the palate with a toasty finish. I was about to score this an 89 but nearer room temperature, the depth kicked up a notch and left me wishing there was more in the bottle.
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Drank without food. I think it might show better with food. The strongest Pinot flavor that I remember in any sparkler. Really strong strawberry. Mouthfeel is a bit harsh, finish is strong and a bit harsh. I would actually be interested in seeing how this aged as it has a lot of oomph in different ways. (fruit, acid, mouthfeel) If they came together after some cellering, it would be an amazing value. As it was I did not care for it.
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Reminiscent of champagne. Yeasty, strong pinot note. Riper than most champagnes I've had, with some pear and ripe apple coming through. A bit sweeter than I like, but nice and full, balanced. Great value.
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A bright, leesy bubbly with good pear/apple fruit and a lengthy citrus finish. I don’t think this is as aggressively acidic and sparkly as ’00 which makes it more accessable now.
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Nose of citrus, toast, green apple, white bread. On palate, apple, citrus, toast, spice. Dry long finish. Impressive showing for this wine. Tremendous value. Drink or hold.
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Well made. Golden straw coloured. Lots of baked apple and pear bread, corriandar and yeast (reminds me a little of wit beer!). Very good for the price. To be picky it seemed a little singular, I would have liked a little more mineral elements but it is an american sytle.
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Pale gold, very fine mousse. Light and spritzy with walnut (not almond) notes and attractive yeast. Perfectly dry yet a touch of caramel. Lemon merengue creaminess in delicate balance. Pretty, pretty good. (5+11+17+8) = 91
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Nice nose of lemon peel, toast, and green apple. On the palate apple notes, white bread, and spice. Dry dry finish. This one really improves as it warms in the glass. Oustanding wine, tremendous value at $19. Drink or hold.
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This is a nice sparkling wine, one that improves with more time in the glass, but I just cannot see how this wine merits the scores it has received. Pleasant if a bit simplistic notes of red apples and ginger. Smooth and light on the palate, with some sweet apple and gingerbread notes, but this wine lacks some intensity and depth. 87-88 points.
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Stellar brut cuvee. Light, creamy, refreshing taste. Notes of vanilla & coriander. Great vintage bottle for the price, $22.00 on-line at JJ Buckley. Drank with vegetable latkes. Perfect bottle to ring in the holiday spirit!
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Wow does this have vibrant fruit and great cut to it. Maybe lacking a bit in the finesse department, but it's very young and that may change with more time in the bottle. Fantastic value, too, at $20 from Wine Discount Center. Quality wise, its easily worth twice that, maybe three times. 91+.
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A nice wine that gets better with some time in the glass. Initially, it seems a little out of sorts and harsh. Fairly full-bodied, a touch more than I care for on its own. Perhaps better with food, at least for now. 89pts at present, 2-4 pts better if it smooths out.
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Great way to start of Thanksgiving day. Nose of Fresh baked Apple pie, Pears and bread. Wonderful creamy mouthfeel with a toasty finish that was nice and long with acidity that was not too bracing, gave the wine a nice lift that made this very pleasurable to drink.
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6/25/2021 - Racer117 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Apparently my last bottle, a real shame.
A wonderful showing and seemed quite youthful at 20 years of age. Moderate effervescence, loads of honeyed cherry and lemon along with a caramel note. There is a touch of yeast in there as well.
It was a great run with you Gloria....
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1/1/2021 - UpfromtheCellar wrote: 89 Points
HAPPY NEW YEAR! Toasty mature sparkler that was drinking very nicely. Bubbles tiny and strong, yeasty toasted notes on the palate. Fine finish. A nice start to 2021.
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8/23/2018 - BordeauxBoy wrote: 90 Points
Imagine my surprise when I found this bottle, forgotten in the back of my cellar, and thought it couldn't possible still be good. But it was. Properly cellared since release, it was an enjoyable American sparkling wine. Still a crowd pleaser but not for the true French champagne lovers either.
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2/15/2014 - Paul Lin wrote: 85 Points
Frankly, I was expecting more from this wine. My two previous experiences were mediocre to good (84 and 87 points), but they were five and six years ago, respectively, and I had hopes that more time in the bottle would improve it, bring out more nuance, more interest. Sadly, that did not happen. But don't get me wrong; this is not a bad wine. It's just not a very good one. Simple and straightforward notes of ripe red apples and candied ginger. Lacks finesse and precision. Clunky finish. Not too bad for $20 perhaps. But at that price point, I prefer Domaine Carneros.
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3/15/2013 - gmbdds wrote: 90 Points
Very similar to my note from four years ago. Apple, lemon and toatsy notes with a rich palate/mouthfeel. Very fresh and young still.
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2/28/2013 - Krugman wrote: 90 Points
I have to thank Brad Baker for the recommendation on this one. Despite being a cali sparkler, this can hold its own with any decent champagne in the $30 to $50 price range. If you like rich pinot centric champagne's with some depth to them, then you will like the Royal Cuvee (especially with a little bit of age on it). It has lots of fruit up front, with nice depth, followed by almonds, toast, bread dough, spices, and cream. It is a little bit sweet, but that is a relatively minot complaint given its affordable $20 price point.
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2/24/2013 - Krugman wrote: 90 Points
Once again this Gloria Ferrer was drinking very well and is an incredible value for roughly $20 per bottle. This wine puts many $50 to $65 bottles of champagne to shame (which is not an easy feat for a Cali sparkler). The flavors included oranges, pineapple, cinnamon, cream, toast, almonds, and spices. As I noted in my previous review, this sparkler leaned a bit to much on the heavy side, but that is only a minor complaint. The length was also impressive.
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2/19/2013 - Krugman wrote: 90 Points
This is one of the best non-champagne sparkling wines that I have tried. In fact, in a blind taste test, the 2001 Royal Cuvee would be very easy to mistake for a decent mid-range vintage champagne. The flavors are very pinot centric with juicy up front fruit, nuts, toast, bread dough, and cream along with good length. The only complaint I have is that it is a bit heavy and ponderous at times and is a bit to sweet. Regardless, this is an incredible value for a California sparkler and is a strong overall value at around $20 per bottle.
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11/25/2012 - 6831 wrote: 87 Points
Drink 'em up
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7/24/2012 - D.Callahan Likes this wine: 90 Points
Very nice sparkler with a few years still left in it but probably at or very near its peak now. Asian pear and apple dominate the nose and continue through the palate where they are joined by toast and a hint of floral. The palate is full and round with few sharp edges and the finish is of a medium length.
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4/16/2012 - phlegls wrote: 92 Points
And then there was one :(
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12/31/2011 - WI WineLover wrote: 91 Points
Opened two years after bottle #1 - and at least as good. Same group of 6 as two years ago, but it took us a little longer this time to consume this one (maybe we are getting too old to stay up until midnight?)
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9/18/2011 - phlegls wrote: 92 Points
Yea - It is gettin better - like Racer only 3 left
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7/3/2011 - Racer117 wrote: 93 Points
Some American bubbles to celebrate the 4th of July.
Very pale golden color, light to medium bubble structure. Pretty soapy/floral nose. Big flavors of honeyed cherry and strawberry. Apple based acidity. Back on form! Fabulous. Only 3 left......
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12/24/2010 - GalvezGuy wrote: 89 Points
Nose of citrus, golden delicious apple, toast. On the palate, apple, toast, spice, lemon. Nice dry finish. Fading out. Drink over the short term.
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12/19/2010 - Racer117 wrote: flawed
Alas, even those most trusted can let you down. I would still rate this bottle 83-85 with a flaw. The bubbles were fine and wonderful and there was distinct acidity, but there was a dominant secondary flavor of plasticy wood. You could still taste green apples but the honeyed fruit flavors I tasted in the past were nowhere to be found.
And then there were 4.....
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12/11/2010 - 123fakest wrote: 91 Points
I just really enjoyed this one.
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10/24/2010 - Domer99 wrote: 91 Points
Nice sparkler. Definietly Brut, but shows the fruit well. Crisp with nice acidity.
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10/3/2010 - Lessthanzero wrote: 91 Points
Nice and bready, with good acidity and some crist fruit peaking out from underneath.
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9/9/2010 - gbauer wrote:
Great at the price.
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9/8/2010 - BigTarheel wrote: 89 Points
Toasty marzipan, nutty with ripe pear and baked apple. Nice point to be drinking.
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9/3/2010 - Racer117 wrote: 91 Points
In this corner from Sonoma weighing in at 113lbs., Gloria Ferrer. And representing France, Louis Roederer! And our winner from California, Go-go Gloria! I figured my favorite NV Champagne would trounce the house bubbly but tonight's dinner party delivered a unanimous decision. Perhaps it was an off bottle of Louis Roederer Brut Premier (see tasting note) but Gloria was grandiose again. As with the last bottle a few nights ago, this one had a touch of honeyed fruits that would make me label this extra-dry vs. brut. The alcohol was buried under the elegant lemon and apple flavors. $%&#@! Only 5 bottles left.
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8/31/2010 - Racer117 wrote: 90 Points
Once again the house bubbly doesn't fail to please. This one comes off a bit more extra-dry than brut. The lemon and apple flavors are a touch honeyed and very creamy. Delish! Too bad the Ralph's manager hasn't hooked us up the last few weeks. Down to 6 left.
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8/22/2010 - Racer117 wrote: 90 Points
Still delivering the goods. Once again, elegant simplicity dominates. Toasty flavors frame the lemon and green apple flavors. Strong acidity gives this a fabulous freshness. Alcohol is nowhere to be seen, perfectly blended into the wine.
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8/8/2010 - Racer117 wrote: 90 Points
Can't believe we keep finding this for $13.50. Again, simple and elegant. Toasty, lemony flavors. I really enjoy how the alcohol is seamlessly integrated.
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7/31/2010 - 415in310 wrote: 89 Points
Very big carneros sparkler; apple, yeast, extra dry. No complete tasting note recorded.
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7/19/2010 - Racer117 wrote: 89 Points
Found this on major markdown at Ralph's (Southern California). $13.50! What an incredible deal. This comes off as simple but in a good way. A toasty start turns into lemon and apple and wraps up with an impressive creamy lingering finish. I'm tempted to cleave off all the manager's specials labels and slap them on some of the full priced bottles ($29.99!) in the regular wine section.
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7/7/2010 - BigTarheel wrote: 89 Points
Nice and toasty sparkler with a subtle creaminess balanced by ripe apples. Ready to drink now.
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7/3/2010 - Scruff wrote:
Similiar to last tasting notes with baked apple and crusty bread showing. Not as much yeast as the first bottle. Solid California sparking wine.
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6/20/2010 - jcable wrote: 89 Points
Nice and crisp and paired very well with some cheese and caviar. A wee bit sweet for me, but for the most part it live up to it's BRUT rating and is very dry.
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6/20/2010 - jcbrand wrote: 92 Points
love this as always. sad I only have one bottle left.
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6/13/2010 - BigTarheel wrote: 88 Points
Good, toasty style. Creamy on the palate with suprising ripeness (sweetness) to the fruit. Soft and approachable.
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6/12/2010 - asaselzer wrote: 88 Points
apple, pear, good sparkling for the price.
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6/1/2010 - jmh st louis wrote: 89 Points
golden delicious apple with a hint of almond.
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5/8/2010 - heartlandrv wrote: 89 Points
A little disappointing considering the Spectator review. Immediate reaction upon tasting was too sweet, but nice acidity and overall a good QPR sparkler. Ready to drink now - I would not wait on this one.
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4/10/2010 - 3daywinereview.com wrote: 88 Points
Medium gold. Nose dough, lemon, and chalk. On the palate creamy with chalk, mineral, lemon and lime. Medium finish but lacks the concentration of flavors of previous bottles.
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4/4/2010 - mpricher wrote: 91 Points
Easter party favor. Nice golden green color. Good bubbles. more yeasty and creamy than dry. More off-dry, but the toast and light creme freche was nice. Good value at this price. I would not hold this any longer. Drink and enjoy.
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3/11/2010 - LexG wrote: 92 Points
Sad that I only have one bottle left. Drink now.
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3/7/2010 - PortFanatic wrote: 89 Points
Nice wine! This was our house sparkler all last year. Not amazing, but very solidly made. It has actually aged quite well. Very good QPR. Would certainly buy this again.
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3/6/2010 - paulmase wrote: 89 Points
01 GV rc. toasted mmellow & lemon on the nose. Nutty hints of vanilla & lingering acidity on the palate 89 pts declining.
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2/27/2010 - phlegls wrote: 91 Points
Great Value - This is my 3rd case - and has become the House Sparkler - Hope some makes it to the NFL Season
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2/6/2010 - borneman wrote: 92 Points
Bright, creamy lemon meringue flavors with a smooth long finish.
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1/27/2010 - LexG wrote:
Best champagne for the price that I've bought in years. citrus with almond toast. Everybody loved it at the Christmas party.
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1/22/2010 - rmalloy wrote: 91 Points
For less than $20, this is an exceptionally complex and delicious wine (albeit, sparkling wine). Coffee, yeasty bread, apples, citrus, and cinnamon.
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1/10/2010 - phlegls wrote: 92 Points
Only a few left - Good Sunday Morning's with Football !
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12/31/2009 - WI WineLover wrote: 90 Points
New Year's Eve - opened for a group of 6 at 11:59pm - consumed by 12:05am - consistent from previous openings
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12/31/2009 - Domer99 wrote: 89 Points
NYE sparkler. Apple, pie crust and strawberry - it really showed off the pinot component. A nice sparkler and given the price, a great substitute for Champagne, but not quite up to the WS hype.
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12/26/2009 - raydawgone wrote: 92 Points
Toast with hint of almonds on finish. Fresh, crisp with tart grapefruit on front palate. For the price, a tremendous value that's continuing to improve with age.
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12/25/2009 - gbauer wrote:
Shows well. Very good at this price.
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12/19/2009 - vanpe003 wrote: 89 Points
Remarkably similar to a year ago. Still a bit of that "out of sorts" harsh feeling to it, which I had hoped would have resolved by now...tight and a bit ungiving. After 60 minutes in the glass, considerably better flavors though the fizz is understandably gone. If this pulls together, it will be great. I was reading one person's opinion that various vintages of this need 5 years to show their stuff. I don't doubt it based on the 3 bottles I've had over the last 12 months.
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11/27/2009 - mpricher wrote: 90 Points
Clear golden grass color. Deep toast and floral elements. Citrus and Melba toast on the palate. Very nice with Crab dip and cheese apps prior to the big Thanksgiving feast. Great way to open the palatte!
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11/9/2009 - GalvezGuy wrote: 90 Points
Nose of citrus, green apple, toast, yeast, meyer lemon. On the palate, golden delicious apple, white toast, spice, lemon peel. Finishes bone dry. Drink now. Great value
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11/6/2009 - jmull wrote:
Consistent with prior bottle. 91.
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10/31/2009 - Beavis77 wrote:
Lot of toast and yeast initially on the nose with some nice lemony citrus. Settled into more of a strawberry and hints of tropical fruit. Nice nose.
Palate had nice acidity, with a really, really long finish. Good toasty and yeasty notes. The strawberry and tropical citrus flavors stood out. Has a minerality feel to it that reminds me of wet stones.
Quite enjoyable.
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9/13/2009 - no leashes wrote: 87 Points
Too flabby to be a 90 pt wine, but still enjoyable. Good, not great.
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8/16/2009 - Paul Lin wrote: 84 Points
Intense aromas of candied ginger, red apples, and chalk. All power and no finesse, this wine attacks the palate with muddled ripe fruit and a fairly high dosage. Perhaps a step up for the White Star set, but far too obvious and overdone for those who are fans of Champagne.
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8/4/2009 - jmh st louis wrote: 89 Points
honey, hint of lemon, nice tingle at the back of palate.
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7/7/2009 - Wine Dogs wrote:
This wine was disapointing, given the ratings that WS gave it. I thought it thin and weak, rather like a stainless fermented chard with little character.
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7/1/2009 - grafstrb wrote:
Solid CA sparkler. Fine bead, and nice lacing, initially; bubbles tapered off considerably after 10 min or so; not quite as airy as a quality champ., but it's hard to argue with a $19 sparkler that tastes this good - solid QPR, I would buy again.
Gut impression score: 90 - 91
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6/29/2009 - Li6 wrote: 93 Points
Consistent with previous note. ["Wow, what a wine. Gorgeous nose of spicy pear and lemon, with a big, rich mouthfeel that stays fresh and focused."]
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6/16/2009 - Mike Stoneking wrote: 91 Points
Nice QPR sparkler.
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6/5/2009 - Li6 wrote: 93 Points
Wow, what a wine. Gorgeous nose of spicy pear and lemon, with a big, rich mouthfeel that stays fresh and focused.
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5/24/2009 - raydawgone wrote: 93 Points
Toasty with hints of nuts and yeast. Over-the-top vintage CA champagne!
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5/19/2009 - Hershey in CA wrote:
pineapple, lots of granny smith apple & creme brulee
bright bubbles, and slightly harsh acid
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5/9/2009 - jjmabaseb wrote: 90 Points
Nice apple and citrus flavors, a little bit of nuttyness, some good acidity, nice long finish; probably would go better with food, but I prefer a bit "creamier" style of champagne/sparkling wine
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4/24/2009 - gmbdds wrote: 90 Points
Very crisp with focused acidity. Pear and toast notes on the nose. Lemon flavors highlight the palate with a toasty finish. I was about to score this an 89 but nearer room temperature, the depth kicked up a notch and left me wishing there was more in the bottle.
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4/22/2009 - Chrisinroch wrote:
Drank without food. I think it might show better with food. The strongest Pinot flavor that I remember in any sparkler. Really strong strawberry. Mouthfeel is a bit harsh, finish is strong and a bit harsh. I would actually be interested in seeing how this aged as it has a lot of oomph in different ways. (fruit, acid, mouthfeel) If they came together after some cellering, it would be an amazing value. As it was I did not care for it.
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4/12/2009 - gbauer wrote:
Still very nice. Especially at the price. Maybe a little sweet.
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4/10/2009 - wineywhites wrote: 89 Points
Reminiscent of champagne. Yeasty, strong pinot note. Riper than most champagnes I've had, with some pear and ripe apple coming through. A bit sweeter than I like, but nice and full, balanced. Great value.
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3/26/2009 - BillB656 wrote:
A bright, leesy bubbly with good pear/apple fruit and a lengthy citrus finish. I don’t think this is as aggressively acidic and sparkly as ’00 which makes it more accessable now.
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3/7/2009 - GalvezGuy wrote: 92 Points
Nose of citrus, toast, green apple, white bread. On palate, apple, citrus, toast, spice. Dry long finish. Impressive showing for this wine. Tremendous value. Drink or hold.
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2/14/2009 - Grape Stuff wrote: 85 Points
No formal notes. Decent, but much too sweet for me. Eyes2, however, loved it.
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2/3/2009 - Scruff wrote: 90 Points
Well made. Golden straw coloured. Lots of baked apple and pear bread, corriandar and yeast (reminds me a little of wit beer!). Very good for the price. To be picky it seemed a little singular, I would have liked a little more mineral elements but it is an american sytle.
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1/28/2009 - nytiger wrote: 88 Points
some yeasty nose, decent bubbles, flavors,apples and pears
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1/18/2009 - fingers wrote: 91 Points
Pale gold, very fine mousse. Light and spritzy with walnut (not almond) notes and attractive yeast. Perfectly dry yet a touch of caramel. Lemon merengue creaminess in delicate balance. Pretty, pretty good. (5+11+17+8) = 91
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1/12/2009 - GalvezGuy wrote: 91 Points
Nice nose of lemon peel, toast, and green apple. On the palate apple notes, white bread, and spice. Dry dry finish. This one really improves as it warms in the glass. Oustanding wine, tremendous value at $19. Drink or hold.
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1/1/2009 - Mike Stoneking wrote: 90 Points
Nice apple notes and a clean, dry finish. For $19, well worth the price and will check my wine shop for more.
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1/1/2009 - jcbrand wrote: 92 Points
I'm usually not a big bubbly fan, but this one was great. Great flavors, dry, and even better on night 2. I am going to pick up a few more of these.
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1/1/2009 - fingers wrote: 87 Points
Nice and dry. Fine, persistent mousse. Well-crafted, but not very deep or intriguing.
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1/1/2009 - nytiger wrote: 89 Points
some yeasty nose, good bubbles and flavor, very dry
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12/28/2008 - Paul Lin wrote: 87 Points
This is a nice sparkling wine, one that improves with more time in the glass, but I just cannot see how this wine merits the scores it has received. Pleasant if a bit simplistic notes of red apples and ginger. Smooth and light on the palate, with some sweet apple and gingerbread notes, but this wine lacks some intensity and depth. 87-88 points.
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12/23/2008 - raydawgone wrote: 92 Points
Stellar brut cuvee. Light, creamy, refreshing taste. Notes of vanilla & coriander. Great vintage bottle for the price, $22.00 on-line at JJ Buckley. Drank with vegetable latkes. Perfect bottle to ring in the holiday spirit!
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12/21/2008 - jmull wrote: 91 Points
Wow does this have vibrant fruit and great cut to it. Maybe lacking a bit in the finesse department, but it's very young and that may change with more time in the bottle. Fantastic value, too, at $20 from Wine Discount Center. Quality wise, its easily worth twice that, maybe three times. 91+.
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12/14/2008 - vanpe003 wrote:
Sunday with Dave. Similar notes to last time. Great QPR.
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12/5/2008 - vanpe003 wrote:
A nice wine that gets better with some time in the glass. Initially, it seems a little out of sorts and harsh. Fairly full-bodied, a touch more than I care for on its own. Perhaps better with food, at least for now. 89pts at present, 2-4 pts better if it smooths out.
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11/27/2008 - yonster24 wrote: 90 Points
Great way to start of Thanksgiving day. Nose of Fresh baked Apple pie, Pears and bread. Wonderful creamy mouthfeel with a toasty finish that was nice and long with acidity that was not too bracing, gave the wine a nice lift that made this very pleasurable to drink.
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