Opening the bottle, a super-fine frothy mousse pours into the glass. Earthy, bakery and a contact of cassis blossom within the aromas. The wine is surprisingly taught on the palate, with whisps of darkish purple berries, and a texture with each creaminess and steely acidity. This continues into the longish, evenly mineral end.

A sublime salmon-pink colour, this Sonoma sparkler is classically crafted from pinot noir and chardonnay, with a little bit of pinot meunier – simply the best way it could be finished within the Champagne area of France. The wine is aged a median of two years earlier than dosage, then for an additional six months earlier than launch.

This rosé is listed as a a brut type, although it could qualify as further brut with its lower than one p.c residual sugar.

WHO: J Vineyards & Vineyard

WHERE: Sonoma County, California

WHAT: 61% pinot noir, 35% chardonnay, 4% pinot meunier

HOW MUCH: round $45 (media pattern)

RATING: 92