2010 Vision Series Brut Nature

Sperling Vineyards Vision Series Brut Reserve 2010 ($115, 94 points) — The blend for this fascinating, long-lees aged, traditionally made sparkling wine is 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay and made with zero dosage. Right out of the glass, this thrilling bubble shows the complexity that an extended lees aged wine brings to the party, with autolytic notes right off the top followed by creamy brioche, lemon tart, mulled apples, a gentle, elegant bead, and lovely saline/oyster shell accents in a seductive, multi-dimensional style. Such vim and vigour on the palate for a wine of this age with toasty/bready notes, a creamy, yet vital, texture, a soft, elegant bead, lemon, pear, green apple, subtle savoury berries, flinty/autolytic notes, and mouth-watering acidity keeping this perfectly mature wine vibrant through the finish. What a treat!

Rick VanSickle, Wines in Niagara