The 2017 Ovation Sparkling is the second iteration of sparkling wine from Joseph Phelps. It's a blend of 78% Chardonnay and 22% Pinot Noir, sourced entirely from Phelps's Pastorale vineyard in western Sonoma. It spent 46 months on the lees, was disgorged in April of 2022 and has seven grams dosage, lower than the first iteration from 2015. "I've learned that dosage is so important," winemaker Justin Ennis says. "I prefer the more lively freshness with lower sugar. I gravitate to more classic brut styles—some of the brut natures can be aggressive." The 2017 Ovation is stylistically in line with a non-vintage Champagne, offering a balance of fresh fruit and autolytic character and a refined texture. The nose offers red apple and wafts of freshly baked bread and hazelnut, and the palate is seamlessly creamy with a focused spine of acidity. 1,090 cases were made. (EB)