Argyle Brut 06 - Sparkling Wine
Argyle Brut is consistently one of the best domestic sparkling wines produced. An excellent value in bubbly!
From the winery -
An Indian Summer followed by late harvest lent exciting structure to the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir used to make this 2006 Argyle Brut. The color is that of pale yellow diamond, pre-harvest wheat field or plumeria alba. The aromas are honeysuckle, Mutsu apple skins, casaba and soft vanilla, followed by hints of allspice and red currant thanks to the Pinot Noir component. This 2006 Brut is highly effervescent in the mouth and brings a classic, stony minerality complimented by lemon zest, currant and a late, savory yeast that coats the palate for a long, pleasing finish.
The 2006 vintage was a very comfortable vintage with very little drama. Spring brought plenty of sunshine and heat. This is quite a contrast to 2004 and 2005 poor fruit set vintages. 2006 had the third highest heat units since 1983. Interestingly, 3 of the top 5 highest heat summations of the last 23 growing seasons occurred in this new millennium. Has our transition into the "New Millennium" led to warmer summers? September brought us a bit of a scare with a week of precipitation accumulation of about 0.6 inches and cool temperatures, but the rain backed off and we saw temperatures in the mid 80's F, with a very desiccating east wind. A most glorious “Indian Summer” ensued throughout the Northwest USA. Wineries and vineyards were able to spread their operation into a smooth steady pace without the usual threat of inclement weather.
Previous Vintage Tasting Notes
Wine Spectator gives 90 points and says: "Subtle style has a burst of aromatics-grapefruit, apple, baked bread and sweet spices-becoming gentler in the mouth, finishing with a bright level of acidity. Drink now"
Delicious sparkler- recommended. The flavors are a fresh, crisp version of white peach, ripe apple, baked pastry with a mango-vanilla-yeast bouquet. The tartness is pleasantly wrapped into a sweet fruit finish.
From the winery: ""FRESH & CRISP" - we know one should not refer to alcoholic beverages as invigorating, but this Brut is exceptionally fresh and crispy with a smooth cream center. Aromas include an enticing combination of apple blossoms, lemon custard with a beam of both vanilla cr?me and roasted hazelnut, with a touch of fresh squeezed extra virgin Spanish olive oil! The flavors are a fresh, crisp version of white peach, ripe apple, baked pastry with a mango-vanilla-yeast bouquet. The tartness is pleasantly wrapped into a sweet fruit finish."
