This week's Wine Pick of the Week feature some of the world's finest Sparkling Wine & Champagne from G.H Mumm and Mumm Napa. Available at T. Cook's at The Royal Palms Resort and Spa, and fine wine shops throughout the Valley.

Mumm Napa Blanc de Noir
"Hot off the Press"... this sparkler received 90 points as the "Editor's Choice" from Wine Enthusiast magazine, Dec '07. Blanc de Noirs, literally “white of blacks,” is a sparkling wine made primarily from dark skinned grapes. It’s a delicate balancing act to remove grape skins quickly after the grapes have been crushed to prevent the dark skin from transferring too much color to the wine. Rosé in color, our spectacular Blanc de Noirs boasts a bouquet of soft, ripe Pinot Noir fruit that gives the wine its directness, while a hint of Chardonnay gives the wine its power and structure.

Winemaker's Notes... A charming pale salmon color introduces this wine, and follows with a bouquet of ripe Pinot Noir fruit. Part of the wine is initially fermented in the press, producing a soft fruity character that gives Blanc de Noirs its directness, while a small percentage of Chardonnay gives the wine power and structure.

GH Mumm Cordon Rouge
A worthy exemplar of G.H. Mumm’s quest for excellence, Mumm Cordon Rouge is a distinctively fresh, full-bodied champagne with impeccable consistency of taste. Emblematic of the richness and finesse that characterise the company’s own vineyards, Cordon Rouge has worn its famous red ribbon since 1876, now synonymous with house’s credo of superlative quality. Mumm Cordon Rouge has become an icon of the champagne category and epitomises Georges Hermann de Mumm’s maxim of “Only the best”.

Golden yellow to the eye with tinges of jade green. The sparkle is gentle, elegant and sustained. On the nose there are citrus hints and rich fruit aromas of white peach and apricot. These lengthen into notes of vanilla, dried fruits and honey. On the palate, the complex fusion of fresh fruit and caramel point to the wine’s inherent quality. Gentle acidity, sparkle that’s ample but not overbearing and an unusually long-lasting taste are the hallmarks of a balanced finish, consistent and multi-faceted.

Cuvée R. Lalou
A 1998 Vintage Prestige Cuvée Champagne that is the expression of the heart of Mumm Terroir. Sourced from 12 parcels of land from G.H. Mumm's best vineyards, with exceptional soil, vine maturity and grape ripening. Grapes hand-harvested from the eldest vines of these plots. Dosage liqueur aged in oak barrels Wine cellar-aged for 8 years. 50% Chardonnay; 50% Pinot Noir. An extremely rare, deep, gold-colored wine. It reveals a gentle sparkle and great depth of flavor, culminating with a surprisingly long finish.

This is a tribute to René Lalou, who led G.H. Mumm from 1929-1973. René Lalou secured G.H. Mumm's seven priceless Grand Cru vineyards and was the first to blend them.

Prestige Cuvées are defined by their high price, starting at $100 per bottle, distinctive bottle (different from Brut champagnes), high aromatic complexity, are typically vintage champagne, and usually a separate brand. This Presitige Cuvée has limited distribution to "gourmet" & fine wine Elite fine dining establishments, and top wine & spirits retailers.