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Lieb Cellars 2013 Sparkling Rosé Reserve 13.2% $27
Impressively vinous, this pale, peach-colored sparkler is made of two-thirds Pinot Noir and one-third Chardonnay. It smells of rose petals, honeydew melon and fuzzy peach skin. The palate is brilliantly balanced with solid weight (the higher than usual alcohol for a sparkling wine makes perfect sense here) juxtaposed against crackling yet seamlessly integrated acidity. The 16 months on the lees also give a hearty creaminess and density to the palatefeel. Dry from the brisk attack through the medium finish, this wine performs as well solo as it does with just about anything at the table.
Drink: 2016-19