For our pre-New Years Eve edition of the Insider's Pick, we are looking to answer the question at least 75% of our customers will have in mind before they come in over the next few days: 'What's the best sparkling wine to take to a party that will ma

For our pre-New Years Eve edition of the Insider's Pick, we are looking to answer the question at least 75% of our customers will have in mind before they come in over the next few days: 'What's the best sparkling wine to take to a party that will make everyone think I spent a lot of money, even though I didn't?' Sound like you? Then you should definitely get by to try this before you get your party plans finalized. While Tasmania isn't a Mecca for winemaking, the cool climate provides the opportunity to make wines far different than those on mainland Australia, or even New Zealand. The persistent ocean breezes from the nearby Bass Straight moderates the temperature in all seasons which allow a cool, extended growth range which brings consistent ripeness and necessarily high acidity. The sparkling wine potential here was first tapped by the  Louis Roederer family in 1986, and the excellence continues to this day, and in recent years even moved to sustainable and organic farming practices.

Built from the classic Champagne grapes of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, the Premium Cuvee seeks to achieve a similar character and consistency of the base labels from the famous Champagne houses, and it absolutely nails it. Pouring with a fairly significant mousse at the start, the aromas are of bright apple and white citrus fruits, with a little bit melon and creamier fruits as the carbonation softens. While it does see a fair amount of time on the lees before disgorgement, there is very little of the biscuit-y, yeasty tone some sparkling wines can get. Instead it just adds a bit of roundness to the palate that carries  loads of the fresh citrus from the nose that shows great length on the palate, lingering longer than the acidity on the finish. A delicious celebratory bottle that will put a smile on every party-goer's face.

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