The 2004 Royal Cuvee is an attractive wine laced with ripe apricots, pears, hazelnuts and brioche. Hints of toastiness add complexity on the creamy, expansive finish. The blend is 67% Pinot Noir and 33% Chardonnay. Disgorged on 2/4/2011. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2014.Tel. (707) 996-7256

A beautiful sparkling wine, rich and refined in the mouth, with creamy flavors that show ripe, sweet California strawberries and limes. This bottling gets better and better with each new release.——S.H.(3/1/2012)—— 93

Royal Cuvee is usually Gloria Ferrer’s best bubbly, and so it is with this bottling, a worthy followup to the past several vintages. Very finely structured, it shows appealing flavors of cherries, citrus fruits and vanilla, and is so rich, it’s almost like a table wine. Addictively good now. Watch it change as it warms in the glass.——S.H.(12/31/2008)—— 93

Royal Cuvee has turned into one of the most consistent buys in an upscale California bubbly, mainly due to the elegance that always marks the wine. The 2000, which is a classic blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, shows the smoothness and complexity that mark fine sparkling wine, with subtle citrus, peach, raspberry, brioche and smoky vanilla flavors.——S.H.(12/31/2007)—— 93

Beginning to show its age as the fruit drops. Picking up crushed mineral, dried lime, vanilla and hints of dusty herbs, but still vibrant and fresh. Should continue to do interesting things over the years.——S.H.(12/31/2004)—— 89