2020 Sparkling Rosé
2020 Sparkling Rosé
Tasting notes:
A hint of brioche, dried orange peel, rose petals and marmalade. The palate is pithy, with complex flavors of dried citrus, stone fruit, saffron and a lingering saline streak. This is a powerful sparkling rosé, owing to the extended whole cluster inclusion and extended tirage. This will be a joy to continue to explore for many years to come.
A “Méthode Champenoise” sparkling wine made from five clones (777, 667, 114, 115 and Pommard) ) of Pinot Noir and five clones (Wente, 76, 96, 95 and 15) of Chardonnay from the Solaksen Vineyard. Harvested at night the last week in August to maintain maximum freshness. Hand sorted and whole cluster pressed to tank where we settled for 5 days. A 100% whole cluster, carbonic maceration with Pinot Noir was started inside the Amphora prior to filling with 54% Pinot Noir and 46% Chardonnay juice to complete fermentation. Zero dosage. Only 39 cases produced.
The Vintage:
In 2020 we saw normal budbreak and moderate early season growing conditions and overall was a warm to hot vintage. The season was marred by wildfires and potential smoke taint issues depending on the location of your vineyard sources in relation to the fires. Despite the fires the overall conditions brought phenomenal growing conditions, with some of the highest phenolic material I’ve seen in my career. The wines are plush, with enough structure to age and whites like Sauvignon Blanc are absolutely stunning. The fall unfortunately brought several freeze events during the third and fourth week of October that ended the season for the entire state.
Tech Information:
39 cases produced - $75 release, May 2025
Blend: 54% Pinot Noir, 46% Chardonnay
Aging: 4 months in amphora.
Vineyards: Solaksen Vineyard
AVA: Royal Slope
Alcohol: 12.3%
