Scharffenberger Mendocino County Brut Rose Excellence NV (750ml)
Product price
$27.99
Description
Sparkling rosé takes its color one of two ways, and this one from Scharffenberger in Mendocino County follows the Champagne approach of blending a little still red wine into the base, here a lightly skin-macerated Pinot Noir that lends both hue and flavor. The cuvée is roughly Chardonnay-led with a substantial measure of Pinot Noir, made in the traditional method with more than two years on the lees before disgorgement. The dosage sits at 8.5 grams per liter, enough to round the edges without tipping into sweetness.
The color is a pretty pale pink, and the fruit runs toward cherry and cherry pit, strawberry, and white peach, with a streak of blood orange acidity keeping everything lifted. There are quieter notes too, cranberry, white pepper, a touch of mint and chalky minerality, and a floral edge that brightens as it opens. The mouthfeel is creamy and full, with a Pinot-derived texture, yet it never loses its freshness. Complex enough for the table, easy enough to drink on its own.
Product Details
| Category | Wine |
| Region | California |
| Subregion | Mendocino County |
| Vintage | NV |
| Size | 750 ML |
Expert Reviews
Pretty and pink in color, the NV Rose offers light-bodied fruitiness in the form of dark cherry and strawberry, with Pinot Noir-like texture. With a dosage of 8.5 grams per liter, it has a creamy mouthfeel that never loses freshness, complex for the table but delightfully easy to drink on its own. Enjoy through 2032. (Jeb Dunnuck, February 2025)
Disgorged February 2025; aged more than two years on the lees prior to disgorgement; dosage 8.5 g/L. A thoroughly pleasing, lush, and wonderfully delicious rosé, made with the addition of red wine that was lightly macerated on the skins to extract both colour and flavour. The result is bright cherry fruit and cherry pit notes, with blood orange acidity lending lift to the rich yet balanced palate. Strawberry and white peach emerge on the long finish, building with a gentle fruit sweetness that is neatly framed by a kiss of bright florality. (Decanter, January 2026)
The pale-colored NV Rosé offers up hints of cranberry, white pepper, mint and slate. Floral and chalky overtones lend brightness as this opens in the glass. The Rosé is 55% Chardonnay and 45% Pinot Noir with 4-5% still red Pinot added into the blend, like a Rosé d'assemblage in Champagne. Drink this effusive Rosé over the next few years. Dosage is 8.5 grams per liter. Disgorged: February 2025. (Vinous, January 2026)