the opulence of this sparkling wine has to be tasted to be believed. it's far softer and silkier than the winery's companion new release, the 2005 j. schram, but then the blend is the complete opposite. this one's mainly pinot noir, with the balance from chardonnay. the pinot noir brings a warm, raspberry- and cherry-sauce richness to chardonnay's limes and pears, while an extraordinarily delicious toastiness pervades the whole, as if it had been gently smoked. so enticing now, it's hard to keep from drinking the whole bottle, and you certainly can, but this is a wine that will age for 10–15 years.
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