Artesa, Barrica Grand Reserve Sparkling, 2016

ARTESA BARRICA GRAND RESERVE SPARKLING 2016 has arrived, and it's rather brilliant. James Suckling handed it 92 POINTS, and we've managed to liberate a proper allocation at the sort of price that makes your accountant do a double-take. ​ Artesa sits at the cool, fog-kissed heart of Carneros, where the Pacific does exactly what great sparkling wine needs: slow the ripening, sharpen the acidity, and build proper depth. The Barrica designation means genuine barrel ageing, patience measured in craft rather than corners cut. This is Napa fizz with actual backbone. ​ In the glass, it's golden, biscuity, and alive with orchard fruit, toasted brioche, and a lemon-cream richness that lingers brilliantly. Grand Reserve character in every sip. You saw the 92 POINTS part, right? What are you waiting for?