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Bella Wines 2012 Oliver Eastside Reserve Brut Natural, Okanagan Valley, $55
As part of his second commercial vintage, Naramata Bench sparkling wine producer Jay Drysdale produced 50-case, single-vineyard reserve sparkling Chardonnay lots from two blocks near Oliver, British Columbia – not far from the border crossing at Oroville, Wash. Each lot was developed for a delayed release, and Drysdale chose to debut half of each bottling during 2016. (The other half has been tucked away for even more bottle age.) There’s virtually no perception that his Eastside edition has any age as the nose brings dusty lemon, Granny Smith apple, starfruit, dried pear and coriander. Its presentation is clean and dry, reflecting the zero dosage. Terrific bubbles and the pleasing mousse allow for flavors of Bosc pear and golden raspberry. A touch of almond skin and apple peel lead into a refreshing finish of lemon and lime. Sales of these reserves are limited to the Gulch Road tasting room.
Rating: Excellent
Production: 50 cases
Alcohol: 12.1%
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