Sokol Blosser Winery 2016 Bluebird Cuvée Sparkling Wine, Oregon 70% Washington 30%, $25

As second-generation vintner Alex Sokol Blosser and his marketing-savvy sister, Alison, continue to grow their lineup of bubbles, they also pay homage to their family’s decades of work on behalf of the Western bluebird. There are 15 bird houses across the organically farmed estate, and visitors drive past the Bluebird Block of Pinot Gris along Sokol Blosser Lane. This brut-style bottling goes beyond that planting. In fact, the sourcing crosses the state line. Sparkling wine maven Robin Hawley spells out the 13 months en tirage with classic aromas of brioche, lemon, nougat and subtle yeastiness. Inside, the frothy mousse brings in bright flavors of Asian pear and Golden Delicious apple as the finish pulls in more lemon as well as a lick of butterscotch. Suggested pairings include a fruit sorbet, shrimp, oysters, smoked salmon or a plate of cured meat joined by cheese such as Manchego or triple cream, olives and almonds. The Sokol Blossers targeted nine states for this debut, so they view this release as a springboard.

Rating: Excellent

Production: 1,850 cases

Alcohol: 12%

Winery website

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