Schramsberg Sparkling wine tasting at Wine Watch with Special Guest Hugh Davies

Thursday, November 10, 2016 - 07:00 PM

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"One glass of champagne and I smile,
Two and I grin,
But three I'm ever so ready to sin."

Anistatia R Miller, author of Champagne Cocktails

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The month of November marks our beginning to the holiday season which means it’s time to get the bubbles ready.  I don’t need a reason to celebrate as everyday above ground is reason enough for me to pop a bottle of great bubbly but most people only drink bubbles around the holidays and we sell probably 70% of our champagne and sparkling wines over the months of November and December. 

That is why we hold our big Champagne and Sparkling wine tasting at the end of this month which will be on November 26th this year and we will feature almost 100 different wines with almost that many tasters this evening, it is more of a party than a wine tasting but I always say every wine tasting should turn into a party!

To kick off our holiday season of sparkling wine tastings this year we have one of our favorite producers of method champenoise sparkling on earth here for a special tasting at the Wine Watch Napa Valley’s first family of sparkling wines Schramsberg with owner/winemaker Hugh Davies. 

We have hosted several events with Huge over the years and I will never forget the releases of both J Schram sparklers when we blind tasted these against the best of Champagne.  Schramsberg came in 1st place with their Rose and 3rd place with the Brut!  The only way to prove that you are among the best is to be judged with them and that is why we have the utmost respect for Schramsberg, they have always been willing to put their reputation on the line by putting their wines up to the real test proving they belong among the world’s great producers.

Join us was we welcome Hugh to his first tasting ever at Wine Watch on Thursday November 10th.  This will be a walk around tasting in the grotto at Progresso Plaza and we will have different stations that have sparkling wines from Napa Valley's first family of methode champenoise wines from California paired to Toni Lampasone’s tasty bites from Wine Watch Catering. This tasting is limited to 30 tasters and the fee for this event is $50 + tax for reservations call 954-523-9463.

 

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Schramsberg Sparkling wine tasting at Wine Watch with Special Guest Hugh Davies
Thursday, November 10, 2016
7:00 PM

 

Tasting line-up:

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NV Schramsberg Mirabelle North Coast
Price: $26.25       Sale $23.10          Case $268

Mirabelle is Schramsberg’s multi-vintage brut sparkling wine. This young, bright bubbly, principally comprised of Chardonnay, exhibits the crisp acidity and vibrant green apple, citrus fruit that is characteristic of this grape when grown here in the North Coast. Pinot Noir adds body, mid-palate and further depth of fruit flavor. Unlike our vintage bottlings, Mirabelle gains unique depth from the additions of lots aged in barrels and tanks at the winery from prior vintages. These older base-wine lots, which typically form up to 20% of the finished blend, add significant palate richness and aromatic complexity. As with Schramsberg’s single-vintage sparkling wines, all grapes for Mirabelle are grown in the cool climate pockets of the area, including Carneros, Anderson Valley, and the Sonoma and Marin coastal areas of Northern California. The fruit is hand-picked in the early morning hours at optimal maturity. Individual lot fermentations allow the winemakers to carefully select the components that make up the finished blend. After bottle fermentation and about two years of aging en tirage, subsequent trials determine the ideal dosage to finish this brut style.

Mirabelle Brut Rose (1 x 750 ml)
NV Schramsberg Mirabelle Rose North Coast
Price: $27.75       Sale $24.42          Case $284

the Mirabelle Brut Rosé is a specially crafted blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Schramsberg’s select cool-climate vineyards in Carneros, Anderson Valley, and the Sonoma and Marin coastal areas of Northern California. Pinot Noir lots, including a few fermented with skin contact, provide brightness of berry fruit and body, while Chardonnay lots lend length and zest to the palate. Additional flavor depth and aromatic complexity results from the blending of base wine lots aged in barrels and tanks for one or more years. The finished Brut Rosé exhibits fresh, elegant and toasty aromas that lead into lively and delicious fruit flavors on the palate.

Paired With:
Salmon ceviche shooters with pink grapefruit, fennel, Lavender and of course Schramsberg

2013 Blanc de Blancs (1 x 750 ml)
2013 Schramsberg Blanc de Blanc
Price: $37.50       Sale $33.00          Case $383

Blanc de Blancs was the first wine Schramsberg produced in 1965 and was America’s first commercially produced, Chardonnay-based brut sparkling wine. Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs gained international recognition in 1972 when then President Nixon served the wine at the historic “Toast to Peace” in Beijing, China. The Schramsberg style of Blanc de Blancs is dry and crisp. Small lots of malolactic- and barrel-fermented wines are added for complexity. The wine is aged on the yeast lees in the bottle for about two years prior to disgorgement. With its vibrant, fruitful and crisp nature, this sparkling wine will maintain its freshness, structure and refined finish for many years, even decades following its initial release.

2012 Blanc de Noirs (1 x 750 ml)
2012 Schramsberg Blanc De Noir
Price: $39.75       Sale $34.98          Case $406

Schramsberg pioneered the Blanc de Noirs style in the United States, releasing the first such American sparkler in 1967. The key to producing this complex Blanc de Noirs is our vast and varied focus on diverse cool-climate vineyards. Pinot Noir from Carneros and Anderson Valley combine with fruit from low-yielding Sonoma and Marin coastal vineyards to develop a sparkling wine with a breadth of fruitful aroma and flavor. Select Chardonnay lots give zest and backbone to the blend.

Pair With:
Tuna Toro Sushi with vegemite soy and wasabi Blanc de Blanc aioli

 

2013 Brut Rosé (1 x 750ml)

2013 Schramsberg Rose Brut
Price: $44.00       Sale $38.72          Case $449

Schramsberg Brut Rosé is fruitful, complex and dry, making it both versatile with food and delicious by itself as an apéritif. The character of the wine is most strongly influenced by bright, flavorful Pinot Noir grown in Carneros, Anderson Valley, and the Sonoma and Marin coastal areas. A few small lots of Pinot Noir are fermented in contact with their skins to add depth and subtle color to this vibrant sparkling wine. Chardonnay gives spice, structure and length on the palate. Hand picking, careful handling and gentle pressing produce a wine of delicacy, free of skin and seed tannin. Following the fall harvest and base winemaking period, an extensive process of blending trial and refinement is carried out in the spring. The finished blend is aged on the yeast in the bottle for about two years, just enough to achieve refined effervescence and toastiness without diminishing its refreshing, vibrant appeal. Enjoy this rich, delicious sparkler on almost any occasion: at your favorite restaurant, a special dinner at home, at a beach picnic or a backyard barbecue. A very versatile wine; try it with sushi, salmon, rock shrimp, pizza, roast chicken, BBQ ribs, burgers, chocolate raspberry tarts and creamy cheeses with summer fruits. “The 2012 Brut Rosé has generous aromas of mixed red berries, orange blossom, and white peach. Its fruitful nose is complemented by notes of shortcake and cream. The palate bursts with flavors of raspberry sorbet, lemon custard, and summer apricot. The wine has a fresh and juicy acidity which drives to a supple, round finish.” – Winemakers Sean Thompson and Hugh Davies

Paired With:
Pulenta Crouton with Pancetta and strawberry champagne marmalade

2007 Reserve (1 X 750ml)

2007 Schramsberg Reserve Brut
Price: $126.00    Sale $110.88       Case $1286

Schramsberg Reserve is our top Pinot Noir-focused brut sparkling wine. Typically representing about 3% of our annual production, this richly-flavored and full-bodied sparkler is made from only the finest base-wine lots produced each year. Six years old upon release, this fruitful, yet dry, toasty and creamy bubbly will age gracefully for a good 20 years beyond the vintage date. More than 80 cool-climate vineyard sites in Carneros, Anderson Valley, and the Sonoma and Marin coastal areas are managed each year to achieve the best possible fruit for our sparkling wines. Hand-picking, early-morning harvesting, and light pressing are critical. Small amounts of select Chardonnay are included in the blend to lend additional backbone and length to the palate. Distinct barrel and malolactic fermentation lots are layered in to provide viscosity and depth. Extensive tasting is conducted over the winter months, with as many as 200 base wines being taken into consideration. Following bottle Fermentation, each bottle is aged in contact with its own yeast in our historic Diamond Mountain hillside caves for a minimum of nearly five years. The finishing dosage is the result of comprehensive trials to fine-tune balance of flavor and acidity.

2007 J. Schram (1 X 750 ml)

2007 Schramsberg J Schram Brut
Price: $126.00    Sale $110.88       Case $1286

From the inception of our efforts in 1965, we have sought to achieve the greatest elegance and individuality possible in our sparkling wines. J. Schram epitomizes our philosophy to create a wine in which no effort has been spared and no care has been omitted. This wine is a fine expression of American individuality and innovation. Wine grapes from the finest vineyards of Northern California are nurtured throughout the ripening process, before they are hand-picked. Complexity is gained through fermentation in both oak barrels and stainless steel tanks. Some small lots undergo malolactic fermentation to enrich aromas and infuse creaminess on the palate. The wine is then aged in our historical mountainside caves for over five years. Dedicated to our founder of 1862, Jacob Schram, this special bottling has been a great success since its first release in 1992. J. Schram reflects Schramsberg’s continuing role as a pioneer in world class sparkling wines. It is our nominee when you want an American statement of international excellence.The 2007 J. Schram opens with bright aromas of green apple, ripe grapefruit and sweet pineapple followed by exotic nuances of mango, guava, panna cotta, and toasted almond. On first sip, tangerine and Kaffir lime are present, which are accentuated by layers of tart pear and Fuji apple. The palate’s texture is viscous and savory on entry. A long finish is driven by generous mouthwatering and lingering acidity.

Paired With
Parmesan Crusted Pork belly bites with Orange marmalade

 

The newest thing from Schramsberg - Single Vineyard Pinot Noir

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2014 Davies Vineyard Pinot Noir Ferrington Vineyard
Price: $63.00       Sale $55.44          Case $643

The Ferrington Vineyards property, located approximately 100 miles north of San Francisco and 17 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean, is in a fertile pocket of land found at the edge of the foothills in Mendocino County’s Anderson Valley AVA. Between 360 and 440 feet above sea level, the three acres of vines utilize over six feet of Boontling and Pinole loam soil, sustainable farming practices, and deficit irrigation to produce three tons per acre. Aromas of dense black cherry blended with crushed herbs, graham cracker, and vanilla gently arise from the glass. The layered palate coats with cranberry; intermingles with Santa Rosa plum, mocha, and sage

 

2014 Davies Vineyard Pinot Noir Nobles Vineyard
Price: $63.00       Sale $55.44          Case $643

Nobles Vineyard produces richly layered Pinot Noir. It is located approximately 75 miles north of San Francisco, northeast of Fort Ross, in the heart of California’s proposed West Sonoma Coast AVA. between 950 and 1,050 feet above sea level. Planted in 1993, on the property’s Goldridge fine sandy loam soil, less than two tons per acre. Aromas of mixed red berries combined with vanilla, plum, and black pepper. The palate is youthful and vibrant, typical of the Sonoma Coast. Bright blueberry, cherry, and cola play with gingerbread and nutmeg throughout the juicy finish

Paired With:
Maple Smoked Duck and epoisses creme brulee in phlyo cup

Image result for 2013 J. Davies Cabernet Sauvignon Napa


2013 J. Davies Cabernet Sauvignon Napa
Price: $104.25    Sale $91.74          Case $1064

The Davies family, proprietors of Schramsberg Vineyards in Napa Valley, presents its thirteenth vintage of Cabernet Sauvignon crafted from the historic Diamond Mountain vineyards they purchased in 1965. Replanted to Bordeaux varietals beginning in 1994, J. Davies Cabernet Sauvignon is the creation of the next generation of the Davies family; it is the product of an intimate knowledge of a place and a passion to create a delicious red wine. The wine is named in honor of patriarch Jack L. Davies, who along with his wife, Jamie, revived the Schramsberg property and established the preeminent American sparkling wine house 50 years ago.

The vineyard blocks, totaling 41 acres, are laid out in three isolated pockets ranging from approximately 550 to 1,000 feet in elevation. They include the two Schram sections, Napa Valley's first hillside vineyards, originally established in 1862 by Jacob Schram. The third piece is the adjacent McEachran parcel, which was first planted by Colin McEachran in 1878 and was purchased by Schramsberg in 1985. These are the southernmost vineyards in the Diamond Mountain District AVA. Flanked by two cool creek canyons (Nash Creek to the north and Ritchie Creek to the south) and surrounded by dense coniferous and deciduous forests, the vines here produce late-ripening, richly concentrated fruit with average yields of just two tons per acre.

Dense aromas of black cherry, blueberry compote, with hints of vanilla, clove and black pepper permeate this offering of J. Davies Cabernet Sauvignon. The palate is layered and complex with flavors of ripe blackberry and black plum infused with black tea, dried orange peel and baking spice. The integrated tannins are youthful but lead seamlessly to a long and powerful finish.- Winemakers Sean Thompson and Hugh Davies

Paired with:
Chocolate covered bacon with blackberry coulis

This tasting is limited to 30 tasters and the fee for this event is $50 + tax for reservations call 954-523-9463.