Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/46939
WILFRED'S PICKS OF THE MONTH Sparkling Wine Hooray for spar- kling wines! They tingle the nose and satisfy the palate. Here's a selection from my favorites of the s eason. —Wilfred Wong DOMESTIC Schramsberg NV Blanc de Blancs, North Coast ($30) A really fine effort, persistent and elegant; distinc- tive dried peach and appley flavors; long and fulfilling on the palate; dry, crisp and delicate on the palate; excellent bite in the finish; 100% Chardonnay. 93 WILSON DANIELS LTD. Scharffenberger Cellars NV Brut, Mendocino ($21) Rich, inviting, smooth, with decidedly ripe appley and light mineral flavors; generous aftertaste; two-thirds parts Chardonnay and one-third Pinot Noir. 91 MAISONS, MARQUES & DOMAINES Wilfred Wong, Cellarmaster for BevMo! Korbel 2008 Natural, Russian River Valley ($15) Crisp clean and fine; excellent core fruit richness, crisp and dry in the finish; this is the winery's best product; 65% Pinot Noir, 35% Chardonnay. 90 HECK ESTATES Domaine Ste Michelle NV Sparkling Wine Brut Rosé, Columbia Valley ($10) A real charmer; faint salmon color, pleasing strawberry flavors, easy, layered finish; 100% Pinot Noir. 88 STE. MICHELLE WINE ESTATES IMPORTS Bollinger 2002 Brut, La Grande Année, Champagne ($130) A monumental effort; refined beads, steady mousse; loaded with core fruit flavors, creamy, almost viscous; crisp, well-balanced palate; suggestion of crème brûlée; long, spicy finish; 60% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay. 98 TERLATO WINES INTERNATIONAL 32 / the tasting panel / november 2011 crisp aftertaste. 94 CHAMBERS & CHAMBERS Bollinger NV Brut, Special Cuvée, Champagne ($80) One of Champagne's most consistent stars; complex, with sweet spice and ripe apples, hints of peaches and crème, with beautiful aged wine nuances; long and lasting on the palate; 60% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay, 15% Pinot Meunier. 94 TERLATO WINES INTERNATIONAL Louis Roederer 2006 Brut Rosé, Champagne ($70) Faint straw, salmon color; fresh, vibrant, red fruit, mineral aromas; ebullient on the palate; dry, fine acidity, well balanced; delicious red fruit flavors, tight and young in the finish; 66% Pinot Noir, 34% Chardonnay. 94 MAISONS, MARQUES & DOMAINES Sieur d'Arques NV Toques et Clochers Crémant de Limoux, France ($20) One of the greatest sparkling wine deals in the world; dried citrus and mineral aroma; piquant on the palate, with a hint of creaminess; zesty finish; 70% Chardonnay, 20% Chenin Blanc, 10% Mauzac. 91 EXCLUSIVE IMPORTS Campo Viejo NV Brut Rosé, Cava, Spain ($18) Medium pink color; fresh berry and sweet earth aromas and flavors; juicy on the palate, crisp and pert; lively red fruit and sweet earth flavors; rewarding finish; 100% Trepat. 89 PERNOD RICARD USA Billecart-Salmon NV Rosé, Champagne ($100) The darling of the trade; elegant, yet wild with frisky strawberry aromas; tangy palate, exceptional balance and energy; fresh berries in the flavors; precise and