2015 Joseph Phelps Chardonnay Ovation

The 2015 Ovation Sparkling is the inaugural vintage of sparkling made in the ancestral method. It is made from Chardonnay (and 20% Pinot Noir) from the Freestone Vineyards. Ovation was originally made as a still Chardonnay, but after founder Joseph Phelps's passing in 2015, this Ovation sparkling was created to honor him. It's a beautiful wine with intense aromas of ripe orchard fruits and layers of pastry, saline, almonds and brioche from its three years' tirage. The palate is expansive with a creamy mousse, and its bright acidity is balanced by eight grams of dosage. It finishes with loads of flavor and juiciness. This was disgorged in January of 2020.