Each week, I love spotlighting a wine that truly stands out—whether it’s for its singular character, captivating backstory, or the sheer joy it delivers in the glass. This week’s pick is a true crowd-pleaser: the Scharffenberger Brut Excellence Black Label.

This sparkling wine is the best kind of overachiever: polished, impressive, yet never too serious. It’s the kind of bottle we reach for without hesitation—whether we’re celebrating a milestone or just adding a touch of elegance to a weeknight dinner. This week, it transformed our quick Roasted Salmon Salad into something that felt downright fancy.

Scharffenberger Cellars

The story of Scharffenberger Cellars began in 1981 in Mendocino’s Anderson Valley. Founder John Scharffenberger set out with a daring mission: to craft sparkling wines that could stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the best in the world. His forward-thinking vision helped the brand gain prestige and attract the attention of Champagne Pommery, which became a partner in 1989. After selling his portion of the business in 1995, John moved on to explore new opportunities outside of the wine industry.

The winery underwent a ownership changes, including a period as Pacific Echo from 1998 to 2004, before regaining its original name under the management of Maisons Marques & Domaines, the U.S. arm of Champagne Louis Roederer. In 2004, Scharffenberger Cellars became part of the Roederer Collection, joining Roederer Estate, another sparkling wine house that has helped shape Anderson Valley as a world-class region for bubbly.

Today, Scharffenberger Cellars continues to produce wines that reflect the unique terroir of the valley, while honoring the legacy of John Scharffenberger’s pioneering vision.

Inside the Bottle: Scharffenberger Brut Excellence

A blend of 63% Chardonnay and 37% Pinot Noir, with about 15% solera-held reserve wine, the Scharffenberger Brut Excellence Black Label is a testament to both tradition and innovation. Aged 5 years en tirage and 6 months under cork, it embodies the perfect balance of complexity and approachability.

Unlike many sparkling wines that emphasize crisp, edgy acidity, the Scharffenberger Brut Excellence Black Label leans into richness and softness, thanks to malolactic conversion. That creamy texture and rounder acidity set the stage for a beautifully layered tasting experience:

Tasting note: Pale lemon gold with aromas of Meyer lemon curd, mocha, apple, pear, and buttered brioche. On the palate, it’s between medium and full-bodied, and fresh with a very delicate creamy mousse and flavors of apple, baked pear, golden raspberry, Meyer lemon zest, and a hint of baking spice. The finish is long, satisfying, and effortlessly elegant.

• ML conversion: Approximately 80%
• Dosage: 8 g/L
• ABV: 12.5%
• SRP: $30
• Rating: 91 pts

Final Thoughts

It’s amazing to think that a sparkling wine aged for 5+ years can be had for $30—that’s remarkable quality for the price. Whether you’re raising a glass to a special occasion or just adding some sparkle to an ordinary evening, the Scharffenberger Brut Excellence Black Label delivers every time. A true overachiever in a bottle, it’s always ready to elevate any moment.