John McDonald
February 27, 2021
Happy days for McDs. Our first granddaughter, Palmer, was born Sunday. All is good! We celebrated with some Gloria Ferrer Sonoma Brut. This is one of our go-to, everyday, Sonoma sparkler choices, 89 McD around $15. GF produces several levels of sparkling wine from both Sonoma and Napa, plus GF Etesian-labeled Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, which consistently rate 87-89 depending on vintage, and can be found under $20. The GF Sonoma Brut is a very pale-green/gold wine with prolific, persistent, tiny bead. Aromatics are pear, green apple, toast and citrus nuance. These repeat on the palate with a mineral back note. A long, clean finish shows a hint of ginger and toast. As with most NV sparklers, the profile is fairly consistent. Although the other labels for GF may also appeal, I choose the Sonoma Brut because, in addition to pleasing my palate, It is fairly priced, showing well against most in the under-$25 range.