Hello Ladies and Gentlemen,

Party Time!  It’s the time of the year to celebrate to the best of 2017 and the coming of 2018.  Here are some party sparklers that are sure to put some real ‘POP’ in your festivities!  HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Andre Clouet Rose N/V

Champagne, France

Cash Price $47.49

Clouet’s Grand Cru Rose is made from 100% Pinot Noir and has become the darling of my cellar.  Located in the Montagne de Reims, this wine trumps even the likes of Moet & Chandon and Veuve Clicquot because the grapes are from actual Grand Cru vineyards.  This brilliant Bouzy bubbles is my New Year’s Eve Tradition.  Rich, textured flavors of strawberry and raspberry sink into deliciously tight bubbles.  Notes of brioche and hazelnut show wonderfully through hints of red flowers, honey and confection.  The finish is refreshing and cleansing while keeping the palate begging for another sup.  Clouet drinks like satin on the palate and is amazingly memorable from start to finish!  JAMES SCORE: 95 Points

Jean Baptiste Adam Cremant Sparkling Brut Reserve N/V

Alsace, France

Cash Price $19.94

I am always on the lookout for quality sparkling wines.  I have often found the best value outside of the region of Champagne, yet still in the confines of France.  Methode Champenoise sparkling wines made outside Champagne, France are called ‘Cremant’ (pronounced (Cray-mawn).  The term originally indicated that the sparkling wine was less bubbly, but it is generally used as a catch all for sparkling wine outside of Champagne now.  In May 2014, Jean-Baptiste Adam and his family celebrated the 400th anniversary of their family being grape growers and winemakers in Ammerschwihr.  The winery is one the leaders in biodynamic farming.  This light and refreshing bubbly is 90% Pinot Blanc and 10% Pinot Noir that is aged in stainless steel for 6 months then another 12 months in bottle.  The Cremant only has 6 grams of residual sugar which is on the drier side of brut.  Deliciously fresh flavors of lemon zest, green apples and white peach pop on the palate with tight, clean bubbles.  There is very little cream, brioche or yeast here.  The palate is all about being a zesty, tantalizing refresher and palate cleanser.  Exquisitely bright and tasty.  JAMES SCORE: 91 Points

Perelada Reserva Especial Sparkling Brut N/V

Cava, Spain

Cash Price $11.99

Want bubbles that drinks like $40, but at a fraction of the price?  Look no further!  Citrus, melon and pear flavors are whipped on top of 27 months of lees aging (9 months is the law) that shows toasty brioche, creamy confection with hints of almonds and buttered bread. WOW!  JAMES SCORE: 90 Points

Thank you,

James C. Barlow,CWE,CSS