Scharffenberger Cellars/Anderson Valley/Tex Sawyer

We have traveled into Anderson valley and one of my first stops is always Schaffenberger Cellars.We have two sparkling wines on the table.Let's check out the history and tasting notes.Then we will pour a glass of each of the wines, for you. The history of Scharffenberger Cellars begins in 1981 in the heart of California’s Anderson Valley. Situated only miles from the coastal influences of the Pacific Ocean, Scharffenberger Cellars also enjoys the deep soils and sunshine within the protected valley. Originally founded by John Scharffenberger, the company has gone through many transitions, including a name change when it was formally known as Pacific Echo from 1998 until July 2004. Today, the name has been restored back to Scharffenberger Cellars under the new management of Maisons Marques & Domaines. The first release of the new Scharffenberger Cellars will be Scharffenberger Brut. With the many changes at Scharffenberger Cellars, what has remained consistent is the quality and the original philosophy behind the winemaking. Tex Sawyer, winemaker since 1989 continues to manage the winemaking program and today works with the new ownership to restore the glory of the original brand name. “The Anderson Valley is ideally suited to growing grapes for sparkling wine,” says winemaker Tex Sawyer. “It is the coolest growing region in California, so our grapes are allowed extra time on the vine and become fully mature before harvest.” Over the years, Scharffenberger Cellars has also built strong relationships with select vine growers in the Mendocino County appellation to source additional grapes for their sparkling wines. The Scharffenberger Brut is blended with two-thirds Pinot Noir and one-third Chardonnay. The predominant Pinot Noir creates a sparkling wine that is fruit forward with noticeable aromas of strawberry/raspberry and some plum notes. The Chardonnay expresses itself with subtle tropical flavors of pineapple with pear. All the fruit for Scharffenberger Brut undergoes 100% malolactic fermentation which produces a wine that is rich with complex flavors and a round, lengthy finish. Scharffenberger Brut Excellence is made by the méthode traditionelle process, whereby the wines are individually bottle-fermented before being riddled and disgorged. Scharffenberger Brut Excellence is made from its own 120-acre vineyards in the Anderson Valley. In addition, Scharffenberger Cellars has long-term contracts with select vineyards in the greater Mendocino County. With this type of vineyard selection, it allows us to produce our trademark cuvée. The wine is approximately 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir. The full malolactic style adds a vanilla cream character producing a round and full-bodied wine. After approximately two years on the lees, there are notes of freshly baked bread and pastry that enhances the more fruit forward style of the wine. Finally, after several months on the cork, the wine develops caramel and hazel complexors. Scharffenberger Brut Rosé Excellence is made by the méthode traditionelle process, whereby the wines are individually bottle-fermented before being riddled and disgorged. Most of the base wines underwent malolactic fermentation, which softens and rounds out the blend. The grapes are sourced from our vineyards in the Anderson Valley as well as other premium quality vineyards in Mendocino County with whom we have long term contracts. This type of vineyard selection allows us to choose from the best vineyards in the area, which enables us to produce our trademark cuvée. The fruit balance and color are achieved by adding between four and five percent of Pinot Noir wine to the blend before undergoing second fermentation in the bottle. Let's now introduce you to Mr. Tex Sawyer... Cheers! Click here and join us.We saved you a seat!Cheers!.