Lucas & Lewellen, Brut Sparkling Wine 2016, Santa Barbara County, California

Tasting Note: A sparkling brut with heft, body, substance and a creamy malolactic character.

Medium-intensity salmon in color with a creamy mousse and small, tight, persistent bubbles, this wine has an aromatic nose of quince, pear drop, red cherry, blossom, green apple and lemon-citrus peel.

On the palate the dry, medium-plus-bodied sparkling brut delivers flavors suggested on the nose wrapped in a creamy, buttery texture supported by medium acidity.

There are notes of midpalate complexity and structure running throughout the length of the taste ultimately completing with a medium-plus, caramel-tinged finish.

Bottle Note: This sparkling wine was made in the traditional French method from a co-fermented cuvee of pinot noir (55%) and chardonnay (45%). Choice lots were hand-picked from our Lucas & Lewellen Vineyards in Santa Barbara County.

This wine was submitted for review.