Iron Horse Ocean Reserve Blanc de Blancs 2013

Professional Ratings

• 93 Wine & Spirits
  Ocean Reserve is a refreshing sparkling wine with depth of flavor from chardonnay, a selection from three blocks at Iron Horse’s Green Valley estate. It’s bright, zesty and clean in 2013, and tastes like it comes from somewhere—a patchwork of knolls covered in vines, usually a few rainbows overhead when the coastal fog and mists of rain are lifting. The Sterling family, who farms the site, partnered with National Geographic’s Ocean Initiative on this wine, contributing $4 for each bottle sold. It’s a delicious way to help establish protected areas and support sustainable fishing practices.
• 92 Wine Enthusiast
  Made to benefit the exploratory organization, this high-toned stunner exudes flavors of Gravenstein apple followed by a slight richness of marzipan. Moderate acidity and weight makes it a fine companion for the table, finishing with a sense of welcome fullness.
• 91 Wine Spectator
  Sleek and expressive, with baked apple, spice and mineral aromas and lovely, precise lime, kiwifruit and almond flavors.
• 90 Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
  A nicely made bubbly, the green apple, mineral-like 2013 Iron Horse Vineyards Ocean Reserve Blanc de Blancs–the winery gives $4 a bottle to National Geographic's Ocean Initiative, establishing marine protected areas and supporting sustainable fishing practices around the globe–is an excellent example of a delicate and persistent blanc de blancs. The wine's tart apple and mineral notes invite a pairing with a dozen or two raw oysters. (Tasted: September 18, 2017, San Francisco, CA)