NV Goodfellow "Whistling Ridge Vineyard" Ribbon Ridge Blanc de Blancs

Given the precision and intensity of his Pinot Noirs, it’s no wonder Marcus Goodfellow makes dazzling sparkling wines. This bottling comes from a multi-clonal block of older Chardonnay vines at the Whistling Ridge site. The base wine is composed mainly of fruit from the 2019 vintage (more than 50%) and the remainder from 2021. It soars with edgy minerality of sea spray and pine bough, crushed oyster shells and dazzling salted lemon. The mouthfeel offers complexity and austerity in spades. A tang of citrus pith, lemon verbena and hints of toasted almonds. A wine to unravel over a decade or more. 30 months on lees gives this wine a complementary depth, disgorged in March of 2025. (CP)

The NV Blanc de Blancs Whistling Ridge Vineyard Extra Brut comes from vines planted in marine sedimentary soils and is composed of fruit from the 2019 and 2021 vintages. Disgorged in April of 2024 after 35 months en tirage, initial wafts of flint and toast give way to peach, beeswax, lemon peel and brioche aromas. The light-bodied palate balances ripe, honeyed fruit with savory autolysis, and it has luxe, creamy mousse. Its bright acidity is balanced by 1.5 grams per liter residual sugar, and it has a very long, complex finish. (EB)