Pale pink color; cherry, raspberry on the nose; white cherry, raspberry, watermelon, citrus-lime on the palate.
Brut; crisp and creamy. Sharp acidity (3.29 pH). Made using the traditional method (méthode traditionnelle)—second fermentation in the bottle. Spent one year aging on the lees. Blend of 73% pinot noir, 25% chardonnay, 2% pinot meunier. Base wine contains 16% reserve wine from 2012-2018 vintages. 12% ABV
This tracks similarly to the previous year’s effort, although the grape blend is somewhat different. This is classic Champagne mix of pinot noir, chardonnay, and pinot meunier—this effort uses more pinot noir (73% vs 56%) and includes a dash of pinot meunier. My tasting notes, however, are very similar. Such consistency is typical of quality sparkling.
Yoav Gilat founded Share A Splash Wine Company in 2006. It made one wine—Cannonball, a cabernet sauvignon effort. The operation has grown since, adding labels and securing U.S. distribution rights. The portfolio includes Cannonball, Angels & Cowboys, High Dive, Astrolabe, and José Maria da Fonseca. Angels & Cowboys launched in 2014 with a zinfandel-based red wine, followed by a rosé. The sparkling wine program began in 2020.
Gilat brought more than 20 years of experience to his company’s start. Born and reared in Israel, Gilat moved to the UK in 1994 and studied law at the University of Kent, and practiced law for three years before turning to business management for a variety of beverage brands, particularly with Constellation Brands.
Ondine Chattan is the head winemaker. The website notes: “Ondine takes a hands-on, multidisciplinary approach to winemaking- a credit to her years spent earning a Master’s of Science in Enology from Fresno State and a Bachelor of Science from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.” Prior to joining Gilat’s operation, she worked with Ridge Winery, then with Geyser Peak Winery for 18 years.
Angels & Cowboys Brut Rosé NV is a lively, fun sparkling. Creamy easy drinker with excellent acidity. Straightforward bubbly. Good QPR (quality-price ratio). Consistent year upon year. Works well as an aperitif; pair with light appetizers; shellfish; lean fish; chicken dishes; pasta dishes; Cobb salad. Cheese—baby swiss, feta, mozzarella, cheddar. $23-26