Profile: Iron Horse Vineyards is probably one of the best-known boutique wineries in Northern California. This is due, in large part, to the winery's reputation as one of America's finest sparkling wine producers. In recent years, the winery has begun to earn recognition for its lineup of still wines but Iron Horse continues to make strides on the international market as a top maker of bubbly. The estate is situated in a cool microclimate of Northern California's Green Valley ideal for growing the grapes of Champagne. As a result, the winery is able to produces sparkling wines in a variety of styles including Blanc de Blancs, Brut, Late Disgorged Brut, Blanc de Noirs and Brut Rosé.
Joy! Rosé Varietal/Style: Brut Rosé
Origin: Russian River Valley, CA Vintage: MV Winemaker: David Munksgard Rating:15.5/20 Retail Price: $160 (1.5 L)
Tasting
Notes:
One of the winery's most special bottlings is Joy!, which is produced only in magnums. Joy! is made in Brut and Brut Rosé styles, both of which are aged 10-15 years before release. The Rosé is a voluptuous wine with red berry flavors and an underlying meaty note. It has the yeasty aromas and flavors of a well-aged sparkling wine yet the freshness of bright acidity. Try it with tuna tartar, a brunch of poached eggs in truffle butter, roast chicken stuffed with lemon and herbs or a plate of fresh and aged goats' milk cheeses.