Wine By Nine

Vintage by Schramsberg from California. Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs (white from white)is made from Chardonnay grapes in the classic Brut style. Small lots of malolactic and barrel-fermented wines are added to the wine for complexity. The wine is then aged on the yeast lees in bottle for three years prior to disgorgement. With its bright fruit and crisp characters, this sparkling wine will maintain its freshness, structure and refined finish for many years following its initial release. The relatively warm 2004 season delivered a generously flavored Blanc de Blancs with alluring aromas of green apple, citrus and tropical fruits. Rich, tart Bayview Avenue Carneros Chardonnay form the core, with components ranging from the Marin Coast to the Anderson Valley contributing further depth of fruit. Yeast-derived notes of fresh sourdough and toasted almond blend with hints of creme brulee. On the palate, this lively sprkler is ripe and crisp with tangy lemon zest early on, progressing to a clean, balanced finish. - Winemakers Hugh Davies and Craig Roemer