I originally wrote about the 2001 Gloria Ferrer Royal Cuvée back in March and, at the time, I thought it was the end of the vintage.  Apparently it wasn’t, because this 93 point rated Carneros sparking wine is back at LA Wine Co for the absurdly low price of $18.95.  It’s almost 10 years old at this point and is drinking better than ever (I had a bottle less than a month ago).

If you like sparking wine, I implore you buy this.  It’s at the top of Gloria Ferrer’s impressive lineup and will be drinking well for years to come.  I still can’t figure out how they get the bubbles to stay in the bottle for so long, but I’m glad they do!  Good sparkling wine can actually last for hundreds of years as proven by divers who recently recovered bottles of Veuve Clicquot from 1780.  It was drinking great after spending 230 years 180 feet underwater on the ocean floor!

Although I can’t endorse the saltwater storage method, nor would I suggest putting this back as a family heirloom, I can tell you that aged sparking wine develops fantastic nuances in the bottle that only time can impart.

Update: Price lowered to $15.95!

Buy Here: 2001 Gloria Ferrer Royal Cuvée $15.95

Wine Spectator 93 points

“This sparkling wine is fresh and vibrant, yet with a core of rich, luscious fruit. Aromas of Asian pear, rose water and lemon curd lead to layered flavors of fresh ginger, pippin apple and cinnamon that finish on a showy note. Drink now through 2013. 6,500 cases made.”

Do you like subtle, clean, stainless steel Chardonnay?  If so do not buy this wine.  On the other hand, if you are like me and prefer the rich, oaky, barrel fermented version, Trinitas has yet another fantastic value with their 2009 vintage Chardonnay from Carneros.  Carneros, which spans Napa and Sonoma on Napa’s southwest side, is to Chardonnay what Oakville is to Cabernet.  In a word (or three)- the perfect climate.  The cooler climate created by the maritime influence of San Palo Bay is perfect for growing Chardonnay grapes and this AVA tends to produce the most expensive Chardonnay coming out of Napa and Sonoma.

This wine has a complexity rarely found in a $20 Chardonnay.  The toasty oak in which this wine was aged makes for a fragrant, smokey nose and a rich buttery texture.  The complexity of this wine is serious.  It reminds me of a cross between Rombauer and Beringer Private Reserve, which is putting this $20 wine in pretty esteemed company.  Trinitas has a history of making some fantastic values.  Their Oakville Cabernet for $25 is awesome, and this Chardonnay is equally as good.

2009 is looking like another 2007 quality vintage for California.  We are really lucky to have only one or two less than stellar vintages per decade in this state.  Go to France and you have to turn that equation on it’s head- they have only one or two great vintage per decade.  Watch for more great values emerging from 2009 as more wineries release their whites this year and their reds in the next two years.

2009 Trinitas Chardonnay Carneros $19.95

The Napa Valley and Sonoma Coast are amazing places.  Napa specifically is a fraction the size of the Bordeaux region, yet grows basically all of the grape varietals of the entire country of France.  The reason?  The Pacific Ocean and Mayacamas Mountains combine to create unique microclimates all over the valley, each uniquely suited to the many varietals that thrive there.

Etude’s Estate Pinot Noir is grown in the Carneros AVA that covers part of Napa and Sonoma counties.  Breezes from San Pablo Bay keep Carneros cooler than the rest of Napa Valley making it perfectly suited to growing Pinot Noir grapes.  Etude focuses on making great Pinot Noir in this region and the 2007 has certainly delivered.  It’s exceptionally fragrant, earthy and complex, with a full bodied texture that I find unique to Carneros and Russian River Valley Pinots versus the lighter version from Santa Barbara to the South.  At 14.4% alcohol, it’s not shy, but it retains a sleek refinement despite its high alcohol level.

Pinot fans will definitely be pleased with Etude’s 2007 Estate release.  Robert Parker gives it 90 points and at under $30 at LA Wine Co. (once again the lowest price in the country), it’s a relative value given the Pinot Price Inflation (PPI- I made that up- watch for it.), caused by that sad but entertaining movie, Sideways.

2007 Etude Pinot Noir Estate- $29.95

Robert Parker 90 points

“Etude’s outstanding trio of Pinot Noirs begins with the dark ruby/plum-hued 2007 Pinot Noir Estate, which offers plenty of sweet cherry, pomegranate, wood spice, and forest floor characteristics in its round, gracious, expansive personality. Enjoy it over the next 5-6 years. “

I’ve been in love with this wine since I first had it last year at the winery in Carneros.  The winery itself is straight out of Champagne France and the wine follows suit.  This shouldn’t come as a surprise, as it’s made by Taittinger, one of the biggest Champagne houses in France.  If you can make it to Napa, spend the morning here- the surroundings are spectacular and the sparkling wine makes a perfect start to a day of wine tasting.

The Chardonnay used in this wine contributes a richness and the Pinot Noir a complexity that suggests it will age very well.  It’s dry, smooth and full and really shows off the uniqueness of the Carneros appellation.  The finish has a nice tartness and a distinct taste of orange peel.  Really nice.

Sparkling wine tends to be consumed in the U.S. only for celebration, as we are today.  But I’m committed to drinking it more often.  Call it a celebration of the everyday.  So who’s with me?

L.A. Wine Co. once again has the lowest price in the country according to Google Shopping.  Here’s the plan: Buy 6 bottles and drink one a year for the next 6 years and see how it ages.  I think April 24th, 2016 will be the best!

Wine Spectator 91 points

“Festive and vibrant, but rich and complex, with bright aromas of fresh cherry and lemon that lead to luscious flavors of raspberry, yeasty pear and crisp mineral. Drink now. 33,000 cases made.”

Domaine Carneros Brut by Taittinger 2006- $19.95

A couple of weeks ago I posted a review of the 2001 Gloria Ferrer Royal Cuvee.  At the time, the lowest price in the country was $21.99 .  Well, LA Wine Company just listed it on their website for $18.95.  At that price, this aged sparkling wine is amazing and is worth buying by the case (or at least the half case).  Again, it was rated 93 points from Wine Spectator and the same from Wine Enthusiast.  It was also number 55 on Wine Enthusiast’s top 100 of 2008.

2001 Gloria Ferrer Brut Royal Cuvee- LA Wine Company $18.95

Last night I had the pleasure of celebrating a special occasion with this awesome bottle of sparkling wine from Carneros.  Gloria Ferrer is usually known for their Sonoma wines, but this vintage reserve bottling uses Napa grapes, to great effect.  Unlike many California sparklers, this wine is nuanced and very dry, much like a Champagne.  With 2/3 Pinot Noir and 1/3 Chardonnay, you get some of the smokey and nutty flavors of the Pinot coming through as well.

For me, it’s fun to drink vintage sparkling wine, not just because of complexity gained during the 7-8 years in the bottle, but because I like to think about all the effort that went into creating it.   If you haven’t read up on the complicated process of making champagne and other sparkling wine, it’s worth a read.  It will make your wine drinking experience more enjoyable.

If you’re thinking about trying this wine, you don’t have to take my word for it.  It got 93 points from Wine Spectator.

Wine Spectator 93 Points
This sparkling wine is fresh and vibrant, yet with a core of rich, luscious fruit. Aromas of Asian pear, rose water and lemon curd lead to layered flavors of fresh ginger, pippin apple and cinnamon that finish on a showy note. Drink now through 2013. 6,500 cases made.

I bought this from LA Wine Company of only $18.99, but unfortunately, they are sold out.

Update: They have it back in!  Get this while it’s still around.

Gloria Ferrer Brut ‘Royal Cuvee’ 2001- $18.95