2018 Seppi Brut Rose California 750 ml

In the pantheon of Napa Valley pioneers, few names carry the gravitas of Joseph Phelps. The man who helped define California winemaking in the 1970s would surely smile knowing his legacy continues through his granddaughter Kelsey Phelps Finch—not in the familiar terrain of Napa's hillsides, but in the effervescent world of California sparkling wine.

The 2018 Seppi Brut Rosé California is more than just another premium sparkling wine; it's a deeply personal tribute wrapped in bubbles. Named "Seppi" after Joseph Phelps' preferred nickname, this wine bridges generations. Where her grandfather built his reputation on iconic Bordeaux blends and single-vineyard Cabernets, Kelsey has chosen to honor his innovative spirit through the technical precision and artistic vision required for world-class sparkling wine production.

California's diverse terroir offers sparkling wine producers an embarrassment of riches. From the cool-climate coastal regions where grapes retain crucial acidity, to the warmer inland areas that contribute richness and complexity, the Golden State provides winemakers like Kelsey with an unparalleled palette of flavors and textures.

The Phelps family legacy of uncompromising quality runs deep in every bottle of Seppi. Now, through Kelsey's vision and Schramsberg alum Keith Hock that same commitment to excellence finds expression in the delicate art of méthode champenoise production.

The 2018 Seppi Brut Rosé was crafted using the classic méthode champenoise, beginning with a Chardonnay base wine fermented in a carefully calibrated combination of 30% neutral French oak and 70% stainless steel. This dual-vessel approach provides the wine's foundation—oak contributing subtle textural complexity while steel preserves the bright acidity essential to fine sparkling wine. After blending with Pinot Noir and tirage bottling in June 2019, the wine underwent an extended 28-month lees aging before disgorging in November 2021 with a restrained 5g/L dosage, allowing the wine's natural character to shine through.