2009 Caraccioli Cellars, Vintage Brut Rose, Santa Lucia Highlands.
This classy and lees Brut Rose from Caraccioli is an impressive American sparkler that is a blend of Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, done in true Methode Champenoise giving a true grower producer taste. This is a wonderful pink bubbly that delivers a stylish array of flavors and a pretty delicate color with a light salmon and orange tint in the glass with a fine bead, creamy mousse and nice vitality throughout. Not thrilled about the price, but that said, it certainly pleases the palate with bright tart cherry, citrus and strawberry notes to go with rich yeasty toast, brioche, hazelnut and a bit of earthy briar and rosewater. The mouth is vigorous and lively and the Caraccioli never dulls the senses, this has energy, depth and finish, feeling clear, transparent and light with some sexy character and it is a very alluring effort. This is rather pricy, that is true, especially when you consider the range of choices in that price class, though definitely a worthy offering, without question one of the best California sparkling wines available, drink this one over the next 3 to 5 years, best from 2015 to 2020. I tasted this in their fun tasting lounge in Carmel by the Sea, where they offer it by the glass at a special and fair rate, I must say and the experience was very positive and youthful, I’d go back for more without hesitation.
($57 Est.) 92 Points, grapelive