Now part of the Ars Selecta portfolio of top wines from Codorníu, the 2012 Jaume de Codorníu is a Brut Reserva, a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Xarello from different regions within Catalu?a. It was kept with lees for no less than 40 months, and the residual sugar was adjusted to seven to eight grams, less than in the past. It has the telltale nose of aged Cava, with balsamic notes of camphor and bay leaf coupled with fennel and aniseed. The palate is fresh and balanced, with abundant, small bubbles that make it nicely textured. 18,420 bottles produced.

The 2011 Jaume de Codorníu is a blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Xarello aged in bottle for no less than 40 months. It had some honeyed notes, hints of pollen and flowers and very light yeasty and bread dough aromas. The palate has noticeable sweetness (11.5 grams of sugar), which gives it a commercial, easygoing profile. 50,000 bottles produced.

The classical Gran Reserva 2010 Jaume de Codorníu blends Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Xarello and was aged in bottle for some 40 months. I remember in the old times this used to be a longer-aged Cava with a more golden color, but this feels quite young, some yeast and brioche notes intermixed with with fruit and flowers plus a noticeable sweetness in the palate (12 grams). A polished, commercial Cava. 50,000 bottles produced.

The 2008 Jaume de Codorniu is a blend of equal parts of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir that displays persistent tiny bubbles, a sense of elegance, and ample spicy flavors. Drink this concentrated, lengthy effort over the next 1-2 years. There are two 800 pound gorillas in Cava, Codorniu and Freixenet. After having tasted in their cellars it appears that this is not a bad thing as the quality level established by these two giant producers keeps everyone else honest. Importer: Codorniu USA