Vintages Release: December, 2108

• The following vintage-dated 2013 Featherstone ‘Cuvée Joy’ Sparkling Wine was fashioned méthode traditionnelle, sourced from 25-year-old, hand-harvested 100% chardonnay vines then hand sorted and whole-bunch pressed with juice yield less than 500 L/tonne. After 2nd fermentation in the bottle that you purchase, it was left on its primary lees 31 months before being disgorged.

89  
Featherstone ‘Cuvée Joy’ Sparkling Wine 2013
VQA Twenty Mile Bench $25.95 (310334) 12.5% alcohol
The price-quality balance tips well in your favour; keep a few on hand. Lively aromas of baking brioche, nutty notes and citrus are harbingers of a glorious explosion of fine-bead mousse when pouring followed by endless streams of tiny bubbles wending their way to top of the glass. Flavours of lemon curd, mineral notes and ripe apple and pear dominate the palate. It finishes in a blaze of delightful tang; crisp, clean and refreshing. A great way to welcome guests and you can continue serving with appetizers. (Vic Harradine)