My wife and I usually make it a point to drink sparkling wine on a weekly basis.  It’s typically Friday night…thus “T.G.I.F. Bubbly”  It’s a celebration of sort, to the end of the workweek. She get’s to drink and enjoy the bubbly, while I get to drink, enjoy and blog about it!  This week’s sparkling wine is the 2011 Yorkville Cellars Sparkling Malbec

The Winery

Yorkville Cellars is located in Yorkville, California in Mendocino County. Yorkville’s claim to fame is two-fold.  They are the only winery I know where all 8 of the Bordeaux varietals are estate grown and then offered as separate varietal wines. And their two vineyards are both certified organic – the oldest of which has been certified organic since 1986. 

My wife and I have visited Anderson Valley three times over the last several years and we make sure drop in at Yorkville Cellars each time because we enjoy the wines.  It’s fun to try varietal bottlings of the lesser known Bordeaux varietals like Carmenere, or Petite Verdot, but our favorite has been their best red Richard the Lion-Heart. On our last visit, we tried a delightful Sweet Malbec, and I see they have a Sparkling Petit Verdot in the line-up now.  I highly recommend stopping by Yorkville Cellars if you’ve visiting Anderson Valley. The wines are wonderful and fairly priced, and you’ll enjoy their diverse offerings.

The Wine

The 100% estate grown grapes for this wine are sourced from Yorkville Cellars’ Rennie Vineyard, which is located in front of its tasting room. The vineyard is certified organic, and planted to six of the main red grapes originating in Bordeaux, France: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Carmenere, Malbec and Petit Verdot.  The vineyard was planted in 1990.

The wine is produced using traditional method (Methode Champenoise) whereby  the wine undergoes a second fermentation in the bottle.

My tasting notes follow:

Pale rose color with red fruit and dried herb and a hint of citrus aromas. Soft mousse. Raspberry, red currant, along with hints of citrus, vanilla, and mineral flavors. Medium finish. 

Rating:  B+ : Wish I’d purchased two bottles instead of one! Highly recommended!

Pair with: This was delightful with grilled shrimp! This wine would be lovely with Thanksgiving dinner, both as an aperitif and with your meal!

The Wine Geek Stuff:

• Alcohol: 13% alcohol.
• Closure: Cork
• Where it’s from: > California> North Coast> Yorkville Highlands
• Grape varieties: 100% Malbec
• Production method: Methode Champenoise
• Dosage: Brut
• Retail: $30
• Drink: Now
• >>Find this wine<<

Sample purchased for review

Related post you might enjoy:

• Wine Tasting Along the Anderson Valley Wine Trail – Day 1

Ratings Key:
(A+) – 98-100/Extraordinary
(A) – 94-97/Outstanding
(A-) – 90-93/Excellent
(B+) – 86-89/Very good
(B) – 80-85/Good
(C) – 70-79/Bleh
(D) – 50-69/#Fail

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