TASTING NOTES

1998 Vintage Brut Late Disgorged
J Vineyards & Winery
Varietal/Style: Brut
Russian River Valley, CA

With the addition of veteran winemaker George Bursick to the team, J has truly hit its stride. This is demonstrated in the winery’s 1998 Late Disgorged, which easily ranks among the top ten sparkling wines in the United States. The bubbly offers inviting bread dough aromas, and its flavors combine with a hint of tangerine and lime. Crisp and daringly tart, the wine is definitely refreshing and yet has the body to stand up to a substantial meal. With a creamy mouthfeel and delightful length, we would welcome this sparkler at the holiday dinner table or as a New Year’s Day toast. (Date tasted: 12/08/08)

Rating: 15.5/20
Price: $115

1987 Vintage Brut
Varietal/Style: Brut
Winemaker: Oded Shakked
Russian River Valley, CA

Bottled in 1988, this wine celebrates J's first vintage in 1987. The lengthy aging process worked to develop the wine's toasted almond and yeast tones. Although there is little fruit freshness left in the wine's character, there remains a lively citrus quality and a lingering, nutty finish. We find this limited-production bottling to be one of the highest quality sparkling wines released in America this year. (Date tasted: 03/03/00)

Rating: 15/20
Price: $50