This svelte sparkler from the North Fork is 100% Pinot Noir, with a bready nose, hints of baking peaches, and golden delicious apples. It has very delicate bubbles and lots of minerality—seashells all over the palate. This is a zippy wine, with lime zest and lots of acidity to balance the creamy notes of marzipan and hazelnut. That bit of toasted nuts is just a whisper, though: this wine is mostly fruit and light, a juicy bite of bosc pear and a squeeze of lime. The only hesitation is a hint of bitter pear peel and grass at the finish. Serious, refreshing wine, perfect to serve with steamed clams piled on pasta.
This is a lovely glass of bubbles. When first opened it displayed a lot of lemon flavors, but after just a few minutes it showed far more complexity and depth. There was lightly yeasty well-browned toast, almonds, loads of pears and apples, pineapple and the original lemon coming through late. The finish is 20-30 seconds or more. Disgorgement date July 2008.
Well worth the money, an undeniably special bottle of bubbles.