2005 Anniversary Cuvée

Gloria’s 25th Anniversary Cuvée starts with an exceptional vintage: 2005. In preparation for the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the opening of the winery, our winemakers selected some of our best lots of the 2005 vintage Chardonnay to produce this exquisite Anniversary Cuvée, a wine that would be set aside for 40 months in our caves to reach a balance and elegance honoring such an occasion. Now it has matured into the epitome of finesse: crisp, refreshing, delightfully crowned with fragrant, foamy mouse and enticing orange blossom aromas. This Anniversary Cuvée was produced in limited quantity and is only available through our tasting room in Sonoma.

Anniversary Cuvée label designed by Michael Schwab.

Tasting Notes

Flavors of apple, baked Asian pear, vanilla and brioche. Bright citrus notes of Meyer lemon linger on the palate. All of these elements weave into a silky, sultry finish.

Winemaking Notes

The 2005 vintage began with a very cool, wet spring that slightly delayed bud break and bloom. A mild, sunny and dry summer further slowed the season, and temperatures through September and into October remained below 100°F. As a consequence, a longer than normal period between veraison and harvest provided true hang time. This excellent Chardonnay crop showed firm acidity with mature, complex flavor development.

Acclaim

91 POINTS
"This is beautiful bubbly for celebration, recreation or quiet contemplation. With all the delicate, lacey attributes one expects from fine blanc de blancs, Anniversary Cuvée has plenty of flash and substance as well. From its tantalizing slightly floral aroma to its long and memorable finish, this is among the very top California sparkling wines. Created to celebrate the winery’s 25th anniversary, it’s a perfect pour for any commemorative occasion--or for no special reason other than the desire to enjoy a lovely bubbly."
- Marguerite Thomas, WineReviewOnline.com, October 2011

Food Affinities

A versatile accompaniment to a wide variety of appetizers from fresh oysters to grilled prawns and caviar, this wine also matches superbly with a variety of cheeses like Camembert, Gruyére or Garrotxa goat cheese from Catalonia, Spain.

Don’t forget to open a bottle anytime you are celebrating an anniversary!

Analysis

Blend: 100% Carneros Chardonnay