Scharffenberger Brut Excellence is a non-vintage California sparkling wine from Mendocino County, crafted at Scharffenberger Cellars using the traditional méthode champenoise. The wine is a blend of 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir, aged a minimum of two years on the lees before disgorgement and then six months under cork, allowing it to develop its characteristic depth and complexity.

On the nose, the Brut Excellence delivers inviting aromas of freshly baked brioche, toast, Asian pear, yellow apple, honeysuckle, and hazelnut. The palate offers vibrant, lip-smacking acidity balanced by a creamy mousse, with layers of orchard fruit, white fig, apricot, and tangerine notes finishing with nutty overtones. Dosage is approximately 8.5–10 grams per liter, lending a gentle richness without sacrificing crispness.

This wine has earned exceptional critical praise: 93 points from the Tasting Panel, 92 from James Suckling, 92 from Decanter, and 92 from Jeb Dunnuck. Scharffenberger Cellars was founded in 1981 in California's Anderson Valley and is currently managed by Maisons Marques & Domaines. Winemaker Jeffrey Jindra employs a solera-like system of fractional blending, adding approximately 12% reserve wine to each non-vintage blend to maintain a consistent house style. Excellent served chilled as an aperitif or paired with oysters, shellfish, or light appetizers.