This is the driest of Iron Horse’s new releases, but it still has a honeyed richness even though the residual sugar is a comparatively low half a percent. It feels refined, fancy and elegant, with delicious raspberry, lime and toast flavors. The blend is 75% Pinot Noir and 25% Chardonnay.——S.H.(12/15/2010)—— 93

The 2004 Ultra Brut is a super-dry, crisp blend of 68% Pinot Noir and 32% Chardonnay. It exhibits tiny, well-formed bubbles along with a crisp bouquet of grapefruit, brioche, and subtle honey, medium-bodied, dry, pure flavors, zesty acidity, and a clean, uplifting finish. This beauty should be drunk over the next several years. This is an impressive group of sparkling wines from Joy Sterling and her team at Iron Horse.Tel. (707) 887-1507; fax (707) 887-1337

Absolutely dry and brilliantly crisp, this clean, vibrant bubbly is rich and subtle in raspberry, lime, brioche and smoky vanilla flavors, with a spicy, lingering finish. Defines the Iron Horse style of elegance and class. Made from 68% Pinot Noir and 32% Chardonnay.——S.H.(7/1/2009)—— 94