rating C+

standout California producer founded by Freixenet

about the first sparkling wine producer based in Carneros, the first plantings were in 1984 of 75% Pinot Noir and 25% Chardonnay. Since then, the winery has experimented with clonal variations—there are now 17 clones of Pinot Noir and 4 of Chardonnay. The wines are of good value without being exciting, marked by quite high levels of dosage. At least 17 sparkling wines made.

wines tasted

Sonoma Brut NV ($30)

88% Pinot Noir, 12% Chardonnay. 18 months lees ageing, 12.4g/l dosage. This used to be a very well priced wine, although it has risen in cost. A fruity, approachable, lightly sweet wine with some complexity from lees ageing.

Royal Cuvée (vintage) ($72)

Six years lees ageing, with nearly 12g/l dosage. Complex and leesy, but hard to justify the price—first vintage tried (2006) was $37, the current release (2015) is $72.

Blanc de Blancs (vintage) ($65)

100% Chardonnay winery exclusive. Quite lean, some lees complexity from two years ageing, but doesn’t justify the price. Dosage of 11g/l is excessive.

website https://www.gloriaferrer.com/

email

phone +1 866 845 6742

address 23555 Arnold Drive, Sonoma