This is top-notch value cava, perfectly round, solid and fruity. Pear, apple and pastry aromas carry the nose while orange, lemon, green herb and white pepper flavors are defined and attractive. Rarely does a sparkler at this price register so high on the quality meter, but the structure and totality of this Macabeo-Parellada-Xarello blend is nothing if not commendable. Mont Marcal ranks as a perennial value leader.——M.S.(11/15/2005)—— 89