Gloria Ferrer Sonoma Brut Californian Sparkling Wine

The grapes were hand harvested in the last three weeks of September from our 335-acre Carneros estate vineyard. Due to the region's meager soils and cooling afternoon winds, Carneros has become synonymous with the production of superb Chardonnay. With a warm growing season and a cool fall, the 2001 vintage will be remembered for its fast pace and an ideal, cool finish that yielded perfectly ripe, aromatic wines. This Chardonnay defies convention, blending elements of richness, bright fruit and substantial natural acidity into one splendid wine. DESCRIPTION Ripe pineapple and mango aromas are intermingled with citrus blossom and toffee elements in the bouquet. Explosive tropical, citrus and toast flavors are enveloped in a textural richness, which is beautifully offset by the wine's ample acidity. WINEMAKING • 100% Estate fruit • Whole cluster pressed to minimize extraction of bitter compounds • 100% barrel fermented • Partial malolactic fermentation balances the wine and contributes richness and complexity to the blend, while maintaining lively natural acidity • Battonage was performed every three weeks for six months to contribute richness to the palate (6 x 75 cl)

On our 335-acre estate in Carneros, no less than 11 soil types and a wide variety of clones and terrain combine with the daily fog and wind to produce exceptional Pinot Noir. For 18 years we've studied Carneros and its relationship to our vines. With this knowledge of our terroir as a guide, the estate Pinot Noir gains complexity and consistency with each passing year. One of our most exceptional wines to date, this Pinot Noir exhibits a range of complex aromas, graceful fruit characteristics and a silken texture on the palate. DESCRIPTION The bouquet opens with aromas of ripe cherry and boysenberry, gradually revealing a complex earth element and spicy toast notes in the background. The palate is supple and balanced, with flavors that mirror the aromas through an extended finish. WINEMAKING • 100% Estate grapes • Colmar, Wadenswil, Trefethen, Dijon 115, Martini, UCD 32, Pommard and Jackson clones were chosen for the blend • Individual vineyard lots were destemmed, gently crushed and cold-soaked for three days to extract color and aromas • A variety of traditional and modern maceration techniques were employed during fermentation to extract fruit character without bitterness • Only free run wine was used to create the final blend • The wine underwent malolactic fermentation in barrel and was not racked in order to preserve the inherent delicacy • Barrel aged for nine months in 100% French oak barrels coopered by Francois Frères, Billon, Cadus and Damy among others • Bottled unfined (6 x 75 cl)

Cuvee Napa by Mumm is produced from mainly Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier grapes, selected from more than 50 different vineyards including the famed Winery Lake. Roughly half the fruit comes from the Carneros region, renowned growing area for Burgundian varieties, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Grapes from individual vineyards are kept separate during initial fermentation in order to highlight vineyard differences and best highlight their unique characteristics. Light golden in colour, Cuvee Napa by Mumm has touches of melon and toasty vanilla on the nose and the palate. With firm acidity and a good crisp structure, it is medium bodied, has an excellent mousse and a rich, lingering finish. (6 x 75 cl)

This tiny producer has 12 acres of ancient, ungrafted, picturesque, low-yield vineyards in three diverse, but neighbouring regions, growing Cabernet Sauvignon in Medrano, Merlot in Tupungato, and Malbec in La Consulta. From the outset, there was a very specific vision at this pocket-sized establishment: the typical yields are around 1 kilo per plant, and the aim is to produce spectacular quality in bite-sized amounts. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Merlot and the blend occurs before racking into barrels, of which 40% are new . The 2001 vintage Quimera is a very deep cherry red colour with aromas of plum, blackberry and chocolate with hints of wet earth and peat. The concentrated but very balanced palate has velvety smooth tannins and a long, velvety and mineral finish. (6 x 75 cl)

Intense and seductive from the outset spice, black fruit, cedar and tobacco on the nose, gaining in intensity and developing dark, earthy complexity on the palate. 100% Malbec. Fermentation took place in a small tank. Pressed and racked into French oak barrels, 100% new, where it was aged for 14 months. The vineyards are between 2400 and 3600 feet above sea level, in the Mendoza province.Winemaker Roberto Cipresso makes two wines here, Altamira and Quimera. Selection and growth restriction are paramount. It takes two vines to produce just one bottle of Quimera and a staggering three for Altamira. (12 x 75 cl)

In the heart of the Carneros appellation stands the majestic chateau which houses Domaine Carneros winery. Claude Taittinger, president of Champagne Taittinger, traveled in the Carneros as a young man and recognized the potential of this beautiful area to produce world class wines. With the completion of Domaine Carneros in 1989, his dream of a California prestige winery became a reality. Domaine Carneros stands as testimony to Champagne Taittinger's devotion to the creation of fine wines, and is considered the landmark of the region. This generous cuvée represents the best of Carneros. Aromas of citrus blossom, tropical fruits, honey and toasted nuts are present in this luxurious blend. Hints of exotic spice such as ginger, cardamom and clove add to the complexity. In keeping with the Domaine Carneros winemaking style, it has a long creamy finish. The 2000 growing season was a classic for the Carneros--long and cool creating a wine of great structure and longevity. This vintage produced wines of great balance and elegance. The blend in this wine is 58% Pinot Noir, 39% Chardonnay, and 3% Pinot Blanc. The appellation is 100% Carneros and 100% 2000 vintage. Five percent of the wine underwent malolactic fermentation. The Brut was aged on the yeast for three years. It will age gracefully for up to 10 years or longer. (6 x 75 cl)

TASTING NOTES Very pretty aromas of jasmine and rose petal come quickly back to more expected tropical fruits like pineapple, mango and a bit of pear. Roasted hazelnut is joined with nougat and almond butter, finishing with a touch of lime and lichee. The wine is medium weight, clean with a wonderful acid backbone with a lingering, memorable finish with hints of minerality and a touch of strawberry. (12 x 75 cl)

The colour is fine yellow gold, with perfect clarity, and aromas of spice, floral lemon-lime join the familiar Les Pierre flinty mineral backbone. As you enjoy drinking the wine you'll recognize the signature green apple and lemon of this vineyard, evolving to dried lemon peel and fresh lime zest. The floral notes recall Acacia flowers, common in the springtime Burgundy countryside. The middle palate is broader in this vintage, with a touch of spun honey. Our careful approach to oak aging and fermentation adds just the right touch of fresh baked bread crust. The structure is mineral, firm, balanced, elegant and focused. A wonderfully long finish is classic Les Pierres, tight, lemon-mineral, extending with great acidity. More austere than our other Chardonnays, but one for the ages. (6 x 75 cl)

Enticing melon fruit aromas with a hint of spice from partial oak maturation. Pure Sauvignon Blanc