Chandon étoile Brut

From the pale straw color to the delicate citrus and honeyed aromas, this wine strives for elegance and finesse and largely achieves it. Light but suggesting strawberries and limes Dry, with a rich, creamy texture. It really sands out for elegance and harmony, and finishes on a slightly bitter-almond note.

Made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, with a splash of Pinot Meunier, this bubbly is, in a word, delicious. It’s so easy to drink, you can’t put the glass down. Shows classic Champagne structure, with refined bubbles and brisk acidity. But the raspberry, strawberry, lime and apple flavors are pure California.

The refined texture recommends this brut, which is mainly Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, with a splash of Pinot Meunier. It’s an elegant wine, rich in citrus fruits, green apples, raspberries, smoke and creamy yeast, but it’s very young and aggressive. Needs time. Cellar through 2012.

Toasty, doughy aromas and pretty fig, apple, melon and citrus flavors offer an attractive blend in this somewhat weighty yet refreshing wine. The finish is long but clean.

Stylish and elegant, a full-bodied brut with plenty of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay character in the fruity, peach and lime flavors. Nice integration, with intensity and balance. The finish is dry and clean, with a hint of hazelnut.

Racy aromas of toasty spice, cherry and Fuji apple lead to layered, zesty green apple and vanilla flavors that turn crisp and minerally on the finish. Drink now through 2012.

Sleek and minerally, with floral citrus and yeasty apple aromas and focused flavors of lemon and ginger that linger toward the fresh finish. Drink now through 2013.

This wine combines richness, with excellent balance and an elegant band of spicy pear, hazelnut and smoky, toasty nuances that offer complexity and concentration. Drink now through 2009.

A richly fruity style, with floral apple, pear and black cherry notes, a hint of hazelnut, offering intensity, depth and length. Lively and refreshing. Drink now through 2005.

Aromatically complex, with rich ginger, toast, smoke and yeasty baked bread and layers of fig, melon and pear flavors that fan out and expand on the aftertaste, returning to the initial aromatic themes. Drink now.

Smoky, toasty, doughy aromas herald this bright-styled bubbly. On the palate it sings out with green apple, ginger, lemon-lime, grapefruit and vanilla flavors. Fresh and lively on the finish.

Crisp and sleek, with lively ginger and spice aromas and vibrant citrus, lemon curd and hazelnut flavors. Drink now.

Subtle herbs show on the nose of this elegant, tangy blend of Napa and Sonoma fruit. The bright, crisp citrus fruit is offset by a subtle, complex mushroomy hint that adds dimension. Light on the palate, it closes with tart citrus flavors and good length.

A delicate, detailed wine, with vivid ginger, spice, cherry and rose petal scents, turning smooth and rich. Drink now through 2008.

Keeps the emphasis on the fruit. Distinct for its ripe black cherry and blackberry flavors. Clean aftertaste. Drink now.

Boldly structured, this full-bodied bubbly shows spicy baked apple aromas and concentrated tropical fruit, yeast roll and nutmeg flavors. Drink now.

Lush and fun to drink, showing notes of tropical fruit, baked apple and toasty vanilla. Drink now.

Etoile is defined by its subtle nuances, understated power and perfect balance. An elegant cuvée, with a bouquet of citrus and magnolia enhancing an endless creamy finish.