“Luxurious and layered, this nicely mature wine has a broad range of complex aromas and flavors, from fig to mushroom to butter and baking spices that ride a supple texture and linger for a long finish. The very fine bead, plush texture and a creamy richness that verges on sweetness are practically irresistible. Best through 2025.”

“Delicate and maturing beautifully, with rose petal, strawberry, roasted nut and brioche flavors that sail on the elegant finish. Drink now.”

“Extravagant, yet balanced and refined, with lush, crisp brioche, fresh ginger and spice, roasted hazelnut and Asian pear flavors that fan out on the lengthy finish. Drink now through 2020. From California.”

“When Jean-Claude Rouzaud searched out a site for Roederer’s California sparkling wine estate, he settled on a cool spot for chardonnay and pinot noir—where vines could deliver flavor depth in their grapes before sugars rose to levels unsuited for sparkling wine. This 2011 is a vindication of that decision, a fragrant, elegant sparkling wine from a cool season, with flavor depth that sets it apart. Notes of fresh apple, honeysuckle and jasmine layer over an herbal austerity that tightens up the wine’s fruit, ending savory. That length of flavor is amplified by a small addition of reserve wines (four percent), aged five years in oak. Arnaud Weyrich blended it in a style formed and determined by its site, resulting in an honest, clean sparkler destined to become a classic.”

“This wine is extremely deep, complex and concentrated in flavor while maintaining wonderful finesse in texture. It starts with fragrant aromas of freshly baked bread and cinnamon. Those are followed by a creamy mouthfeel, pinpoint bubbles and subtle peach, white cherry and apricot flavors that are both delicate and focused at the same time, leading to a long finish. It is so tempting now but best after 2020.”