Wine Buzz: "Brut Rose" by Mumm Napa

As I was driving home from work these past 2 days, I noticed some "progressive movement" at Mumm Napa... ahh the sweet reminder that the real harvest is just around the corner starts when you notice the sparkling houses already in action.  I feel special to have caught the winemaking process in action, and decided that this week is "Bubbles Week."

Look at all those bubbles at Mumm Napa!

So, to kick it off, let's start off with a nice bottle of Brut Rose (pretend the "e" at the end of "Rose" has a little slanted line above it... thanks!).

Although I'll probably end up highlighting Mumm Napa as being a great place to stop in Napa Valley, I know for all my Berks Countians out there that it's not the thriftiest of thrifty... but don't you worry - I have some tricks up my sleeve!  The Brut Rose tops the cake at Mumm Napa - a steal in my mind for the quality - a whopping $22 (less than that if you are in the industry - imagine a whole 30% off).  The real bargain is in the magnum (the 1.5 L of Mumm Napa Brut Rose).  At first glance the $50 for the magnum might catch you off guard but you are essentially purchasing 2 bottles of wine in 1 bottle for a much better quality product.  In a side-by-side comparison, the magnum was more bubbly, smoother, fruitier and yet contained that more complex yeast character that the real sparkling wine drinkers love.  The difference was so intense to me, that I bought the magnum without negotiating with "Johnny Depp" (remember - that's code for my boyfriend).  I bought the magnum at the real steal - $35 with an industry discount (or club membership).  *Hint, hint* *Nudge, nudge* to all you industry people out there... stop at Mumm Napa soon!

Think you can't drink all that wine in 1 sitting?  Well I bet you can!  We split it with another couple and it complemented our entire lunch very nicely.  The whole meal circled around the Brut Rose.  Gotta love what bubbles will do to an whole meal with friends!

Brut Rose (magnum) by Mumm Napa

Appearance (10 points possible): slightly pink hue, lots of small, continuous bubbles - 10 points

Aroma/Bouquet (20 points possible): slight yeast/sur lie character, hints of vanilla, dried flowers (especially roses, but in a soft subtle way)  - 18 points

Taste (10 points possible): bubbly/effervescent (it is sparkling), acidic entry, fruit (strawberry and slight plum character) and yeasty flavors mid-palate, smooth finish with lingering notes of strawberries and slight sur lie character  - 9 points

Balance (5 points possible): harmonious sparkling wine; soft and fruity for the sweet bubbly lovers, complexity from Methode Champenoise for the serious bubble lovers - 5 points

Finish (5 points possible): The length of the finish lasts a little longer than 1 minute, but not deep enough to compare with exquisite reds.  For the style, I very much enjoyed the strawberry/yeasty flavors that linger with bubbly smoothness. - 4 points 

Total Points: 96

Overall Thought: According to the website, this wine was given 90 points by Wine Spectator (that was probably for the regular 750 mL bottle).  Again, this rating is based on the magnum.  The blend is 85% Pinot Noir, 15% Chardonnay with a brut dosage (http://mummnapa.com/assets/images/Products/media/mn_brut_rose.pdf).  I've never had someone refuse this wine when it was served to them.  It's perfect for a dinner date, hor d'oeuvres, toasting a marriage, toasting a recent success, Thanksgiving, Christmas, summer time picnics... you name it!  This is 1 bubbly that can be enjoyed with almost anything!

Food Pairings: fruit and yogurt (I very much enjoyed it with this), crab cakes, salmon, or a light, fruity salad

Cost: $22 (750 mL), or $50 (magnum)

Splurge Factor (out of 4): 2 - definitely a good deal and a purchase well worth making; a bit more of a splurge if you're going for the magnum, but call me up and I'll take you to buy it!

Where to buy: I'm uncertain if this wine is found in stores outside of Northern California - has anyone found it in the Eastern U.S.?  If not... Mumm Napa ships (http://mummnapa.com/index.cfm?)