We are living in the golden age of Pacific Northwest Sparkling Wines. One winery that is limited production out of Washington — and only focusing on Sparkling Wines — Elentone is the brainchild of winemaker Chris Sherry. Sherry is originally from Brighton in England, actually not far from England’s premier sparkling wine country. Wines are made in the traditional Champagne method and are given a limited dosage (2G/L in both wines I tasted). You might not know that England and Champagne originally partnered to make sparkling wines and while Dom Perignon is often credited as inventing sparkling wine in 1697, the first documentation of the Traditional Method —where the winemaker deliberately adds sugar to create the bubbles in sparkling wine — was by the English physician Christopher Merrett in 1662.
I loved the new wines by Elentone. Don’t miss out on the gorgeous 2018 Elentone ‘Brut’ Sparkling Wine (OB, 92) which is fresh and electric with a silky mousse and serious stuffing. Learn more about these beautiful wines at elentone.com and here are the outstanding new wines by Elentone.
2019 Elentone ‘Juno’ Rose Sparkling Wine- This is 100% Pinot Noir fruit from the Lake Chelan AVA. This was given 2G/L dosage and was aged for 20 months on the lees and then was disgorged in March 2022. Very delicate red cherry and pomegranate seed tones combine with shades of citrus rind on the nose. The soft mousse adds to the enjoyment, as bright red fruits combine with wild mushroom and suggestions of lime zest. This is very geeky, highly nuanced wine that will drink well over the next seven plus years. Drink 2022-2029- 91
2018 Elentone ‘Brut’ Sparkling Wine- Mainly Chardonnay (82%) from the Clos Cheval Vineyard, this was given 2G/L dosage and spent three years en tirage prior to disgorgement in August 2022. Very yeasty on the nose with baking spices and suggestions of white peach, Pazzaz apple and suggestions of toasted challah bread that all mingle on the nose. The palate is rich and very fresh with great underlying acidity. This is seriously good stuff that has gratifying weight and tension, with salty undertones. Drink 2022-2032- 92