J Cuvée 20 Brut Russian River Valley NV

The non-vintage J Cuvee 20 Brut gracefully opens up with crisp lemon peel, honeysuckle and delicate yeast aromas. Upon entry, these notes are followed by a mix of Fuji apple, grapefruit and a sweet hint of angel food cake. The mid-palate is interlaced with toast, caramel and almond flavors. The acidity adds just enough liveliness and the citrus zest leads to a lingering, warm pear and lush finish. This wine pairs beautifully with a Kumamoto oyster topped with Tsar Nicoulai Caviar in a J Cuvee 20 mignonette.

Vibrant and fresh, with floral apple and anise aromas and crisp yet creamy pear and spicy yeast flavors.

As much as I love real French Champagne, the price is often prohibitive for my budget, so that's why I was so excited to discover the J Cuvée 20! For half the price, this California bubbly from renowned Sonoma producer Jordan maintains the same level of depth and complexity, though the style is a bit crisper and less yeasty. I'm in love with the bright citrus fruit notes that show along with the classic pear and red apple notes, while the slight toastiness delivers a smooth, dry finish.

Sleek and fruit-forward, with appealing lemon-lime and anise aromas that lead to crisp yet creamy pear, green apple and spice flavors. Drink now.

Gracefully opens up with crisp lemon peel, honeysuckle and delicate yeast aromas. Upon entry, these notes are followed by a mix of Fuji apple, grapefruit and a sweet hint of angel food cake. The acidity adds just enough liveliness and the citrus zest leads to a lingering, warm pear and lush finish.