Ghost Rock Catherine Cuvee 2015

97 Points - Stuart McCloskey “Of late, I have been sampling a few English sparkling wines. In particular, ones which have been left on the lees for an extended time and recently disgorged. It’s been a mixed bag with a few shockers and a few which I enjoyed however, and compared to this Tassie example, they pale into significance when you compare the flavour to price ratio. The bouquet is magnificent and leads you down a heady path of buttered poached apples and pears, classic brioche, buttered citrus, creamy macadamia, honey, tinges of beurre noisette, lemon thyme, and a yeasty autolysis character. All-in-all, the bouquet is sublime. The palate is mid-weight, there’s a lovely nutty-buttery richness followed by a beautiful line of citrus acidity. Poached orchard fruits aplenty macerated with honey and a little sweet spice. This is ripe, effortless and layered. The finish is wonderfully long and fans out beautifully to orange zest and nuts. Undoubtedly, this is on-par with many NV Grand Cuvées (two-three times the money). My room is filled with an intoxicating perfume of honey roasted nuts and sweet brioche. I believe it’s in its prime drinking window but will age for at least another 5-10 years… Served using Zalto Universal glassware (do not use a Champagne flute as it will stifle the bouquet and flavour).”