2001 Sparkling Pinot Noir Chardonnay

Region: Coonawarra, South Australia

Varieties: 85% Pinot Noir, 15% Chardonnay

Tirage Age: Aged on yeast lees for 5 years prior to disgorging

Technical Analysis: 12.5% alc./vol.

Background: Winemaker Kym Tolley, with over 25 years of winemaking experience and a direct descendent of the famous Penfold wine family, founded the estate in 1988 in the heart of Coonawarra.

Penley Estate’s Sparkling Pinot Noir Chardonnay affirms that the world’s best sparkling wines are produced in the traditional method. ‘Method Champenoise’ sees the classic varieties of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier harvested early, fermented and blended into a base wine, then re-fermented in bottle to capture the fine bubbles produced. Maturation on fermentation lees builds texture and complexity, adding the desired yeasty aromas and flavors.

Coonawarra’s almost forgotten variety of pinot noir is well suited to the consistent cool climate growing conditions necessary for sparkling wine fruit selection. The predominance of pinot noir affords this wine its aging ability, while the Chardonnay contributes elegance and finesse.

Tasting Notes: Penley Estate’s 2001 Sparkling Pinot Noir Chardonnay is light pink in color and exudes aromas of nutty strawberry, pear, crisp apple and creamy brioche. This elegant wine owes its body and weight from the young pinot noir fruit. In turn, the chardonnay component offers structure, length and acidity. The tantalizing fruit flavors from this blend are heightened by a fine persistent bead, rounded middle palate, and crisp acidity. Enjoy now through 2009.

For further information contact: OLD BRIDGE CELLARS 703 Jefferson St, Napa, CA 94559 Tel: (800) 622 2234 or www.oldbridgecellars.com