2009 Extra Brut (1 x 750 ml)

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The "Extra Brut" is produced for the growing number of sparkling enthusiasts who on occasion enjoy a very, very dry sparkling wine. These sparkling wines are finished with a dosage of between 0.3 - 0.6 g/100ml of residual sugar, about half that of the omnipresent "Brut" offerings. A progression towards a drier "Brut" has occurred in the sparkling wine world in the past two decades as producers have been able to develop brighter intensity of fruit flavor in the grapes that they grow. This transition has absolutely happened at Schramsberg, where cooler climate vineyards have produced grapes with not only higher acidity, but also riper Pinot Noir and Chardonnay characteristics.

It is ready to enjoy upon release, but will surely age beautifully for another two decades or more to come. Th is opulent and racy style will match extraordinarily well on the raw side with caviar and ceviche, but will also pair perfectly on the cooked side with smoked oysters, mushroom tarts, and veal picatta. A simple antipasto sampling with prosciutto, sopresatta, gouda, pecorino, artichoke heart, and cured olives will also shine alongside.

Tasting notes

The Extra Brut has generous fruitful aromas of peach compote, mandarin orange, and pear blossom, which develop with hints of caramel and toasted brioche. The palate is fruitful and complex, with flavors of red apple, plum, and grapefruit supported by hints of almond and cardamon. Crisp on entry, the wine lingers with a persistent yet balanced acidity.- Winemakers Sean Thompson and Hugh Davies

Reviews

93 Points
Luxurious and plush, with expressive hazelnut and cinnamon brioche aromas that open to elegantly layered and lingering baked apple and toasted spice flavors.- Wine Spectator (July 2018)
92 Points
This medium-bodied, steely and austere wine has a pale orange-gold color, citrus and green-apple aromas and crisp, dry flavors like grapefruit. It has light almond and earth accents and is driven by good acidity for a refreshing mouthfeel. Extra brut means truly dry, and this wine shows how appealing the style can be.- Wine Enthusiast (August 2018)
91 Points
Rife with the definitively toasty, slightly nutty effects of extended, on-the-yeast aging, this fully developed, bone-dry sparkler is, at this point in its life, not in the least concerned with obvious fruit and is instead a study in champenized complexity. That is not to say that it is in any way tired or lacking in life, and it is, quite to the contrary, very well-balanced and wonderfully creamy in feel with an especially fine and frothy mousse. Albeit very rich and utterly fascinating stuff, it may disappoint drinkers on the hunt for a quaffable, fruit-focused bubbly, but it is enthusiastically recommended to those looking to see what a serious, well-aged sparkler is all about.- Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine (December 2018)

Recipes