I’m finding that my modest collection has a glut of big reds and a dearth of sparklers. With Champagne prices climbing, I’m on the lookout for alternatives. Cava is good, as are the various cremants, but I also like taking advantage of my location in the US and access to high quality American wines.
I’ve enjoyed quite a few American sparklers (Ultramarine, Under the Wire, Iron Horse among others), but my favorite by far has been J Schram. What a fantastic wine. This post was prompted by opening a 2007 J Schram rosé tonight that was just incredible. I’ve had the white on numerous occasions, and it has always been fantastic, tonight was my first time with the rosé- fruity, savory, refreshing, complex. Ridiculously good.
Thoughts on J Schram? What are your favorite US sparkling wines?
I used to think it was J. Schram, but these days, I think they are a little on the sweet side. The LD J. Schram are even better, but I rarely see those.
When they are on, Ultramarine, specifically the Heintz BdB, is my favorite, but recent quality control issues have me second guessing that.
I just bought some Westborn, but have yet to try it.
And I hate to be the guy to say it…but I’ll say it. Best is relative (obviously).
It’s tough to put JSchram and Ultramarine against each other as they are so different…it’s the Cali version of big house vs grower.
There are room for all at the table, IMO. I’m a big fan of the JSchram wines for their consistency (especially the LD offerings)…that being said, prices are getting pretty nuts (and over $200 for the LDs). Ultramarine has maintained to keep prices fair and when they are on, they are lights out…but consistency has been tough.
Somewhat limited sample size, but I have a lot of hope in the new Westborn project because of the style…if JSchram is on one side and Ultramarine the other (I know this is an over-generalization), Westborn slots in the middle. IMO, that type of style is what has been missing…winemakers for go for one or the other extreme but forget about the middle road where there is so much flexibility in style.
Ultimately, as a big champagne guy as well as a fan of Cali sparklers, I’m excited for this time in new world sparkling wine.
I’ve had Ultramarine three or four times, including the Heintz BdB on one occasion. I enjoyed them very much each time, though I think I still preferred the JSchram.
Agree with @Shay_A that the styles are quite different, so it’s not an apples to apples comparison. I actually haven’t had the LD offerings, so I’ll be on the lookout for those.
Also, I have not had the Goodfellow, so again, something else to look out for. And Corollary. Lots of stuff to look forward to!
I haven’t had the Goodfellow yet, but I have generally not really cared for most domestic sparklers. I’ve sold all of my ultramarine (luckily before the prices cratered)
You say Champagne prices are climbing and then suggest J Schram, when their prices have gone completely bonkers?
I’d take Taittinger CdC all day long over the LD, and they are about the same price.
The J Schrams I’ve had (limited sample of maybe 4-5 bottles) have always left me thinking they should cost not more than $50 a pop. At $150 per, the base J Schram is daylight robbery, and the LD at over $200 is just crazytown.
I much preferred the Goodfellows over the base J Schrams.
I think for consistent quality, the J Schram is my favorite. As others have mentioned, however, prices are through the roof and so I’m no longer a buyer. I like the Roederer L’Hermitage quite a bit and is a relative bargain. Le Reve from Domaine Carneros is also very good, but pricing is a problem there as well.
To this I would add Arabilis, their BdB that I had on my visit a few months ago was extraordinary. We followed that with a trip to Corollary, terrific day of tasting bubbles.
One day you’ll drink those words (if you’re lucky). Goodfellow may only have released one vintage of bubbles, but they have an almost 20 year record of producing stellar PN and Chardonnay. Obviously, they are starting with great base wine for their sparkling program. I have recently tasted pre-disgorged vintages in the pipeline and they are simply amazing.
Also, a strong case can be made that cooler climate OR Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are more akin to Burgundy than most of what is coming out of CA. Why wouldn’t the same be true of OR sparklers to Champagne?
