So I was looking at the "close out" wine bin the other day at a big-box retailer and spotted one bottle of the Taltarni Brut Tache going for $14. I've heard about the reds from this Australian maker, but not the sparklers. After chilling, I popped this dandy and had a bit with some smoked salmon. Impressive is the first word that came to mind. Looking into this cuvee, I found that the winemaker uses all three traditional grapes. This particular bottle is the non-vintage, but it still retains a high quality I've come to expect from much more expensive French offerings. In fact, this bottle rates above most of the American sparkling wines I've tried lately.
Look for baking bread and earthy tones on the nose - note the yeast suggestion. Faint brick pink color will suggest the pinot noir influence on the tongue. Quite complex with a long long finish, high above what I would expect in this price range. This is a true sleeper, one might (and will again) pay more for less.
T-Scale 91++ - I bought a case after I learned the last of this bottling is already stateside. What you find is all there is folks. Bonus: I got a $60 rebate on a full case, making my bottles about $10 a pop!
