Reviews : Reserve

92 points / 2002 Reserve - Wine Enthusiast
“.... the flavors are deep and refined, suggesting baked apples, grilled pears, yeasty, smoked brioche, vanilla bean and spices. Threequarters Pinot Noir, with the remainder Chardonnay. Really needs 3–5 years to come around, at least. Cellar Selection.” (Dec. 2009)

91 points / 2002 Reserve - The Wine News
"Bright, medium color with a tint of tangerine. Aromas of dry toasted bread and green apple. Crisp, sharp entry of lemon zest, tangerine, lime, green apple and a pleasant minerality. White grapefruit elements introduce the dry, lasting finish." (December 2009)

92 points / 2002 Reserve -Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine
“Among the top of the table bubbles here in California, this one is perhaps the very richest. Its intense aromas of yeast and toasted brioche blend with subtle notes of citrus and green apple that support the wines from front to back, and the creamy mousse of tiny bubbles fits the wine nicely. It is complex and heavily oriented to toasty yeast, and it finishes with fruit quietly but successfully keeping it on the lively, fulfilling side.” (Nov. 2009)

90 points / 2002 Reserve - Wine Spectator
“Rich, yet crisp and fresh, with bold baked apple and spicy yeast
aromas and full-bodied, layered pear, hazelnut and yeast roll flavors
that linger.” (Nov. 2009)

94 points / 2001 Reserve - Wine Enthusiast
“A gorgeous sparkling wine that shows real Champagne quality in its dryness and creamy, yeasty complexity. Made from 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay, it flatters the palate with lush flavors of raspberries, oranges, limes, pears, brioche, vanilla and cinnamon honey. Delicious and compelling now, this rich bubbly should develop additional bottle complexity over the next decade.” (Dec. 2008)

93 points / 2001 Reserve - The International Wine Review
“The 2001 Reserve is one of the finest sparkling wines we have tasted from Schramsberg. A blend of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay, and barrel fermented, it displays a rich golden color and a complex nose of hazelnut, toast, and melon-like fruit. Almost Burgundian in character it offers a moderately crisp attack with some dried fruit and oxidative notes of apple and pear. Will pair nicely with many main course dish like roasted chicken or duck.” (June 2008)

91 points / 2001 Reserve - Wine Spectator
TOP WINES
"Shows substance and refinement, with rich aromas of baked pear, fresh ginger and spicy toast. The flavors are rich and full-bodied, with lingering notes of hazelnut, vanilla cream and cinnamon. Drink now through 2012." —T.F. (July 31, 2008)

91 points / 2001 Reserve - California Grapevine
"Attractive, earthy, yeasty, apple and pear aroma...frothy, creamy, apple and citrus flavors with persistent effervescence; slightly tart on the finish. Very highly recommended." (December 2008 - January 2009)

91 points / 2001 Reserve - Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine
"On the one hand showing lots of yeasty richness and toast in the nose that speaks to time on the yeast, but, on the other, a surprisingly young and vibrant wine once in the mouth, this bottling counts a very fine, long-lasting mousse and cleansing acids among its many competing virtues. Given the winery's track record for making wines that will age, we expect that this one will find an even more seamless fit of its pieces down the line." (November 1, 2008)

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