Retail $15. 100% (?) Chardonnay. Certainly a serviceable sparkler, particularly given the price. We opened this to make Kir royals, but this is quite good on its own as well. Very Good, consistent notes.
Retail $15. 100% (?) Chardonnay. When I saw this wine on the clearance shelf in my local grocery store (I love my H-E-B!) at 50% off, I was intrigued--just about any traditional method sparkler is worth a flyer at that price. When I looked a little closer at the label and saw that it was made by Gruet, one of my favorite domestic producers, I grabbed six bottles (and paid for them, naturally). That is about all I know about this wine ("89" was the year that the New Mexico winery was founded). One sight said it was a Chardonnay, but I have yet to verify that claim. Deep golden color in the glass, to the point of a fear of oxidation (it's not). Ripe pear and peach dominate the nose with a smattering of yeastiness. The palate is rather austere (I imagine the dosage is fairly low) with good fruit flavors and plenty of mineral notes. More character, perhaps than the standard Brut from Gruet, this is a wonderful diversion--too bad I can't find any more information (or any more bottles)!
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9/17/2023 - The Drunken Cyclist Likes this wine:
Retail $15. 100% (?) Chardonnay. Certainly a serviceable sparkler, particularly given the price. We opened this to make Kir royals, but this is quite good on its own as well. Very Good, consistent notes.
www.thedrunkencyclist.com
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12/11/2021 - adam.dfarkas Likes this wine: 90 Points
Balanced, crisp and dry, floral notes, pear fruit
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3/1/2021 - The Drunken Cyclist Likes this wine: 89 Points
Retail $15. 100% (?) Chardonnay. When I saw this wine on the clearance shelf in my local grocery store (I love my H-E-B!) at 50% off, I was intrigued--just about any traditional method sparkler is worth a flyer at that price. When I looked a little closer at the label and saw that it was made by Gruet, one of my favorite domestic producers, I grabbed six bottles (and paid for them, naturally). That is about all I know about this wine ("89" was the year that the New Mexico winery was founded). One sight said it was a Chardonnay, but I have yet to verify that claim. Deep golden color in the glass, to the point of a fear of oxidation (it's not). Ripe pear and peach dominate the nose with a smattering of yeastiness. The palate is rather austere (I imagine the dosage is fairly low) with good fruit flavors and plenty of mineral notes. More character, perhaps than the standard Brut from Gruet, this is a wonderful diversion--too bad I can't find any more information (or any more bottles)!
http://www.thedrunkencyclist.com
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11/28/2020 - Dutchd1 wrote: 88 Points
Light and bubbly. Nothing special though but ok for price
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6/23/2020 - WineGeek1989 Likes this wine: 89 Points
On the nose- Bright fresh apple, grapefruit, peaches and cream, baking spices, vanilla, white flowers
On the palate- Bright fresh apple and grapefruit, peaches and cream, baking spices and vanilla with a bit of flowers
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