A 60/40 blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir goes into this sparkler … the Chardonnay also spends some time in 3rd fill oak (6-7 months) thereby adding some complexity into the Chardonnay component. The result is a bubbly that smells of mineral and citrus; the palate has got a real green apple / citrus pith thing going for it leading to a long mineral finish … one of the better Etoiles made to date, and that’s saying a lot, as this wine continues to shine in the Hinterland portfolio. Price: $39.00 – Rating: ****+