Scharffenberger

Brut Excellence Mendocino County Sparkling Wine

8.8144 ratings
8.725 pro ratings
Mendocino, North Coast, California, USA
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir
Duck, Shellfish, Goose, Mushrooms, Manchego & Parmesan, Game, Pork, Squash & Root Vegetables, Chicken, Turkey, Cheddar & Gruyere, Meaty & Oily Fish, White Fish, Shellfish, Crab & Lobster, Cream Sauces, Exotic Spices, Soft Cheese, Salads & Greens, Potato, Quinoa, Farro, Brown Rice, White Rice, Pasta, Herbs, Nuts & Seeds, Stew, Onion, Shallot, Garlic, Salami & Prosciutto, Salmon, Quinoa
Top Notes For
Sipping Fine Wine

Began in 1981 in Anderson Valley, a few miles from the coast, first known as Pacific Echo until 2004. Made by the traditional méthode champenoise process with two-thirds Pinot Noir and one-third Chardonnay is an amazing value. The wine shows a complex rich style with stone, berry and citrus fruit flavors, lively acidity with a smooth mouthfeel. Long finish ending with mineral and biscuit notes. Nice! Good value.

Began in 1981 in Anderson Valley, a few miles from the coast, first known as Pacific Echo until 2004. Made by the traditional méthode champenoise process with two-thirds Pinot Noir and one-third Chardonnay is an amazing value. The wine shows a complex rich style with stone, berry and citrus fruit flavors, lively acidity with a smooth mouthfeel. Long finish ending with mineral and biscuit notes. Nice! Good value.

Oct 4th, 2021
Sipping Fine Wine

The wine is approximately two-thirds Pinot Noir and one-third Chardonnay and undergoes 100% malolactic fermentation. Aromas of tart fruits on the nose along with fresh baked bread notes. The palate shows light red combined tropical and citrus fruits. Rapid bubbles, the wine finishes with creamy yeasty tones, a good value for this sparkler.

The wine is approximately two-thirds Pinot Noir and one-third Chardonnay and undergoes 100% malolactic fermentation. Aromas of tart fruits on the nose along with fresh baked bread notes. The palate shows light red combined tropical and citrus fruits. Rapid bubbles, the wine finishes with creamy yeasty tones, a good value for this sparkler.

3 people found it helpfulMay 13th, 2016
R. Addison Wehrfritz

Delish. Celebrating my last day at #VMware. Looking forward to new challenges and opportunities in #2016.

Delish. Celebrating my last day at #VMware. Looking forward to new challenges and opportunities in #2016.

2 people found it helpfulDec 15th, 2015
Bryce Wiatrak

Roederer Estate and Scharffenberger both call Anderson Valley home and together yield some of California’s most consistently delicious and affordable sparkling wines. Of the couple, Scharffenberger vinifies rounder, more lush wines. Flavors of ripe pear skin, white rose, and baked apple find their footing against a backdrop of yeast, cheese rind, and patisserie in the image of Champagne. The perfect wedding reception wine or Tuesday night sparkler for its tremendous quality to cost ratio.

Roederer Estate and Scharffenberger both call Anderson Valley home and together yield some of California’s most consistently delicious and affordable sparkling wines. Of the couple, Scharffenberger vinifies rounder, more lush wines. Flavors of ripe pear skin, white rose, and baked apple find their footing against a backdrop of yeast, cheese rind, and patisserie in the image of Champagne. The perfect wedding reception wine or Tuesday night sparkler for its tremendous quality to cost ratio.

1 person found it helpfulJun 21st, 2018
Grant Gardner

Rocking Anderson Valley bubbles to celebrate the Giants' win.

Rocking Anderson Valley bubbles to celebrate the Giants' win.

1 person found it helpfulOct 30th, 2014
Erin Crain

#brut #rose #bubbles delicious!

1 person found it helpfulMay 24th, 2014
Mason Balistreri

Sommelier, International Wine Guild; Balistreri Vineyard; Sales, Joy Wine and Spirits

8.4

Pastry/ bread sweet notes contrasted against some pear fruit.

Pastry/ bread sweet notes contrasted against some pear fruit.

1 person found it helpfulApr 17th, 2014
Sipping Fine Wine

It's been about a year since I had a bottle, thought I would try it again. Began in 1981 in Anderson Valley, a few miles from the coast, first known as Pacific Echo until 2004. Made by the traditional méthode champenoise process with two-thirds Pinot Noir and one-third Chardonnay is an amazing value. The wine shows a complex rich style with stone, berry and citrus fruit flavors, lively acidity with a smooth mouthfeel. Lingering finish ending with big mineral notes. Nice!

It's been about a year since I had a bottle, thought I would try it again. Began in 1981 in Anderson Valley, a few miles from the coast, first known as Pacific Echo until 2004. Made by the traditional méthode champenoise process with two-thirds Pinot Noir and one-third Chardonnay is an amazing value. The wine shows a complex rich style with stone, berry and citrus fruit flavors, lively acidity with a smooth mouthfeel. Lingering finish ending with big mineral notes. Nice!

Jun 26th, 2017
Shun Kikuchi

Relatively rich style. Dry. Ch60% PN40%

Relatively rich style. Dry. Ch60% PN40%

Feb 14th, 2016
Kyle Groombridge

I thought this was very enjoyable for the price.. heady and rich but elegant at the same time..lifted fruit, good daily drink.

I thought this was very enjoyable for the price.. heady and rich but elegant at the same time..lifted fruit, good daily drink.

Dec 13th, 2015