Hello Ladies and Gentlemen,

Time to Celebrate the end of crazy 2022 and prepare for the new hope of 2023! I had quite an interesting 2022 with lots of travel and navigating the interesting inflation issues that have affected our lives in almost every facet. I am also about to have all my children be in double digits in age! I personally am hoping for a return of some normalcy to the market in 2023. Either way, Cheers to you and see you in the New Year!

Brooks Extended Tirage Sparkling Brut Riesling 2016

Willamette Valley, Oregon

Cash Price $54.99

I was astounded at the deliciousness of this wine when I first tried it last year. The wine is produced in the Champagne method (Methode Champenoise) and was aged on the lees for 44 months before disgorgement! I love a good sparkling wine with extended amounts of lees aging as this gives the ensuing bubbly more complex components. This is their second release of what is sure to become a classic. The wine is 100% Dry Riesling with stunningly bright acidity and tight bubbles that offers flavors of lemon zest, crunchy tree fruits, and white flowers that flow into hints of lychee and kumquat. The finish offers whiffs of creamy confection, honeysuckle, neon minerality, and just a kiss of petrol. This wine is taut, yet equally alluring. Go Get It For New Years! Barlow Score: 95 Points

JN Haton Sparkling Brut Reserve NV

Champagne, France

Cash Price $36.99

We’ve found an amazing value Champagne in a time when bubbles are tough to come by! This sparkler is 30% Chardonny/30% Pinot Noir/35% Pinot Meunier with an average age of 50 years for the vines. The grapes are hand harvested and aged for a minimum 3 years on the lees. Haton is delicately delicious with flavors of white peach, citrus and orange blossoms. Whiffs of yeasty complexity, hazelnuts, and exotic spice tingle throughout the palate with tantalizing efficiency. The finish is long and crisp with that lip smacking smile sure to cross your face. Barlow Score: 93 Points

Etesian Brut Sparkling NV

Sonoma County, California

Cash Price $17.99

Etesian is a new sparkling wine for us from an extremely reputable winery (It’s a secret!) that we’ve been able to procure at a great price point. Coming from a bubble head, I’ll tell you that these sparklers are absolutely delicious! This sparkler comes from Carneros on the Sonoma side. The cepage is 57% Pinot Noir and 43% Chardonnay produced Methode Champenoise and aged for 2 years on the lees. The ensuing bubbly has clean, tight bubbles with lively flavors of tangerine, lemon and Asian pear. The finish is clean and enticing with hints of biscuity brioche and white flowers. Barlow Score: 91 Points

Thank you,

James C. Barlow, CWE, CSS

Spec’s Fine Wine Buyer