Westborn Wine Perpetual Reserve NV.01: A Journey Through Sparkling Excellence
September 26, 2024
Westborn Wine Perpetual Reserve NV.01 is not just a sparkling wine—it's a statement of craftsmanship, tradition, and innovation. Created through a collaboration between renowned winemakers Russell Bevan, Weston Eidson, and Nathan Reeves, this wine is a testament to their dedication to limited-production traditional-method sparkling wines.
Hailing from some of Northern California's most prestigious vineyards, the NV.01 draws from the finest Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Meunier. The terroir of Sonoma, Napa, and Mendocino is captured in every bottle, delivering an exceptional experience that speaks to the meticulous care and patience taken during the winemaking process.
What Makes Perpetual Reserve Special?
At the heart of the NV.01 is its unique perpetual reserve program, inspired by the solera system often associated with sherry production. This technique continuously layers young and old wines to create a rich, complex blend that evolves over time. The NV.01 incorporates 50% wine from the 2020 vintage, bringing vibrant energy, and 50% wine from the perpetual reserve, contributing a depth and complexity that only comes with age. This delicate balance between youthful verve and aged richness sets this wine apart.
The perpetual reserve process allows each year's wine to build upon the character of its predecessors. When wine is drawn off to create the NV.01, it is replaced with newer vintages, ensuring the tank always retains a portion of the oldest reserve. This deepens the complexity of the blend year after year, making each release of Westborn Perpetual Reserve not just a snapshot of a specific year but a continuous evolution of the vineyard's finest expressions.
Tasting Notes: A Sensory Exploration
The Perpetual Reserve NV.01 is a vibrant and expressive sparkling wine. Fresh pear, yellow apple, and peach aromas on the nose intertwine with nuances of vanilla, warm bread, and roasted hazelnuts. Delicate white flowers add a touch of floral elegance, contributing to the aromatic complexity. This intricate bouquet invites you in and hints at the depth of flavor to come.
This wine is medium to full-bodied on the palate, with a bright, intelligent, refreshing, and sophisticated character. The fruit notes of pear and apple are beautifully complemented by a bright acidity, which gives the wine a crisp, clean finish. Subtle undertones of vanilla and hazelnut linger on the palate, making each sip a delightful journey through layers of flavor and texture.
The wine's 37 months on the lees (aged in bottle) impart a richness and complexity that is rare in non-vintage sparkling wines. With a low dosage of just 4 g/L, the wine's natural acidity shines through, balancing the fruit and providing a structured, long finish. This precision in winemaking allows the NV.01 to capture the freshness of the younger wine and the depth of the perpetual reserve, offering a truly harmonious blend.
A Blend That Represents the Best of Northern California
The Perpetual Reserve NV.01 blends 50% Chardonnay, 42% Pinot Noir, and 8% Meunier; each grape contributes unique characteristics to the final wine. Chardonnay provides a backbone of bright acidity and freshness, while the Pinot Noir adds richness and structure. The Meunier, often the unsung hero of sparkling wine blends, brings a roundness and depth that ties the wine together.
The meticulous aging process further enhances these characteristics. Aged for 37 months on the lees, the NV.01 develops a creamy texture and subtle brioche notes that are hallmarks of traditional method sparkling wines. This extended aging allows the wine to achieve a balance of fruit, acidity, and complexity that is both refreshing and satisfying.
Why Choose Westborn Perpetual Reserve NV.01?
Westborn's Perpetual Reserve NV.01 represents a meticulous blend of craftsmanship, tradition, and innovation. Combining young and reserve wines from Northern California's most prestigious vineyards creates a sparkling wine of exceptional complexity and elegance. With vibrant fruit flavors, bright acidity, and layers of nuanced aromas, this wine captures the essence of the region's diverse terroir and winemaking expertise.
To ensure you are part of future releases and stay updated on this remarkable wine, visit www.westbornwine.com and join the allocation list. Doing so secures your spot and ensures you'll be among the first to receive updates on upcoming releases, exclusive access to limited-production wines, and more.