And a mystery cepage. Maybe chenin blanc? Very fruity, VERY fruity. Lots of green melon and a nice bead, though short on toast; that’s surprising since it spent 7 years on the lees. I wouldn’t call this refined or delicate, in fact it’s rather full in texture, but it’s a nice way to open a meal. I wish it were cheaper, though.
SY (3/00)
Needed a sparkler for Valentine’s Day and found this on the top shelf of the closet rack, covered with dust. A quick chill in the freezer and ta dum! 100% Gewurztraminer this presents as big, appley, and full of effusive bubbles. Crisp apples on the palate balanced with a touch of yeast and a dry Macintosh apple finish that lingers nicely. With time, the crisp apple mellows a bit. Not a complex sparkler but a happy, enjoyable bubbly from the venerable Navarro Vineyards. Moe, double Larry. Paired beautifully with pan roasted swordfish drizzled with a citrus-butter sauce.
JD (2/09)
Young, yeasty intense nose. Good fruit and bracing acidity but there is a whole in the midpalate. Long, tart finish, teeny bubbles. Give it a couple of years.
JD (4/99)
($23): Apples, lemons and yeast on the nose. Good fruit on the palate but somewhat simple. A good, consistently drinkable sparkler.
JD (4/99)
($30): Intense citrus and green apple nose. Decent palate with some dustiness around the fruit. Short finish. Okay but only decent QPR.
JD (4/99)