The Hunt for Mrs Oliver Fiano Sparkling LD 2017

While 2016 was a warmer vintage, 2017 was cool and wet. While both the recent late disgorged releases of this sparkling Fiano are delicious, it’s a wonderful chance to see the difference that time in bottle and vintage can have on traditional method sparkling wine. Oodles of cheesecloth and brine, a little flecked lemon leaf and curry spice. The palate is seashell abundant, zippy Fiano acidity, and a memory of sea foam lingers. A little less multi-faceted and generous than 2016, but still delicious. While there is breadth on the palate, it’s more of a leaner fruit profile with lemon pith, lime zest, custard apple and crushed toasted cashew, toast and leaner fruit. The palate has a succulent long line of salinity, post-storm seashore. I’d love to see this with a little more time, and it should be a great food-pairing sparkler. Limited release.