By Lenn Thompson, Executive Editor
Photo courtesy of Viviane Bauquet Farre, Food & Style
We're not announcing the finalists for the New York Cork Report 2010 Wines of the Year until later this month, but you can bet on the fact that the wine editors are tasting and re-tasting a lot of wines between now and then to pare down the contenders list.
This is a strong contender to be a finalist in Long Island's sparkling wine flight.
Made with 100% pinot blanc, Lieb Family Cellars 2007 Blanc de Blancs ($35) this methode champenoise bubbly offers a burst of golden and green apple aromas with layers of citrus zest, citrus blossom, apple skin, honey and toasty yeast notes.
The crisp, dry palate brings a bit more of that yeasty doughy character sprinkled over a melange of green apple, lemony citrus, Bosc pear and blanched nut flavors — dancing with persistent, delicate bubbles.
Long and mouth-watering, the finish is focused on citrus zest but also delivers a dose of chalky minerality.
This has long been one of my favorite local sparklers and the 2007 continues that tradition.
Producer: Lieb Family Cellars
AVA: North Fork of Long Island
ABV: 12.5%
Case Production: 285
Price: $35*
Rating: 90