Review: Wines of Scharffenberger, 2026 Releases
Scharffenberger is a Mendocino-based winery that specializes exclusively in sparkling wines (all ideal for pairing with sister operation Scharffen Berger chocolates). We’ve covered these wines periodically through the years. Today we take a fresh look at the two flagship nonvintage bottlings as well as a vintage blanc de noirs picked in 2019.
NV Scharffenberger Brut Excellence Mendocino County (2026) – Still 60% chardonnay, 40% pinot noir. Soothing baked apple notes kick things off, giving this wine a surprising fruitiness that hasn’t exactly dominated in previous releases. The florals noted in 2024 aren’t readily available here, replaced in large part by gentle notes of cinnamon and nutmeg. It’s also far less dry than the 2024 offering, almost juicy as the finish builds, with a lingering burst of melon and honey. A perfect sparkler for summer sipping (or for use in your favorite cocktail). A- / $24
NV Scharffenberger Rose Mendocino County (2026) – Remains 55% chardonnay, 45% pinot noir. The floral notes on this wine lift it up, adding mild lilac and rose petal notes to the experience — along with a dollop of crushed strawberries. Perhaps the gentlest and most approachable wine in Scharffenberger’s lineup, it’s creamy with an almondy, almost buttery core, the finish evoking peach blossoms and some apricot. Increasingly effusive as the palate progresses, it’s a crowd-pleaser through and through. A- / $30
2019 Scharffenberger Blanc de Noirs – 40% pinot noir, 33% pinot gris, 27% pinot meunier. While the body is a bit doughier and more vanilla-heavy than the typical blanc de noirs, this wine bursts with green apple notes before sliding into more of a lemon custard vibe, layered gently with floral notes. Orange blossoms dominate as the finish builds, with hints of strawberry set against a heavier lemon curd character. Acidic and almost bitter on the finish, the back-end is cleansing while also evoking late-game tropical touches of guava and papaya. A- / $40
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