If you're among those who enjoy a little pop in your July 4th celebration, the sound of a sparkling-wine cork exiting the bottle is probably music to your ears. With so many July 4th firework displays canceled due to the COVID-19 threat, opening a bottle of bubbly could well be the only discernible pop you hear.

With that in mind, I've selected four all-American bubblies to help you make it through the night, two in what I would describe as the top tier of sparkling wine in the United States and two I would describe as exceptional value bubblies that overdeliver in relation to price.

Always high on my list of top-tier sparklers are the Domaine Carneros brut rose ($44) and the J Vineyards Cuvee 20 ($45). The current release of the Domaine Carneros brut rose is from the 2016 vintage. The J Cuvee 20 is a superb multi-vintage brut that shows off the potential for bubbly made in the Russian River Valley, where pinot noir and chardonnay reign. You really can't go wrong with either of these beauties.

On the value side, the non-vintage Korbel Blanc de Noirs ($13.99) is a gem and probably the most consistent of all the Korbel sparklers, which, in general, are exceptionally consistent. Then there is a newbie (at least to me) called Bash! sparkling rose ($13.99). It comes with a generic "California" appellation, and it was a surprise gold-medal winner at the recent San Diego International Wine & Spirits Challenge.

And there you have it: your very own July 4th fireworks in a bottle!

Best Value

Wines are rated on a 100-point scale. Wines are chosen for review because they represent outstanding quality or value, and the scores are simply a measure of this reviewer's enthusiasm for the recommended wine.

Hahn 2019 Rose, Monterey County ($15) — This producer has had excellent success through the years with its moderately priced portfolio of premium wines. I gather this is a blend of red grapes sourced from Monterey County because the individual varieties aren't listed. Nevertheless, you will find this stainless steel-fermented rose impressive for its freshness and balance, with exceptional persistence of flavor on the palate. It shows notes of strawberry and raspberry supported by vibrant acidity. Rating: 90.

Josh Cellars 2019 Pinot Grigio, California ($12) — This latest pinot grigio from Josh is easy to drink and surprisingly complex, showing hints of lime, pear and melon with a subtle touch of spice. For the price, this is a superb summer sipper that will also pair nicely with steamed clams, mussels and freshly shucked oysters. Rating: 88.

Vino dei Fratelli 2018 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC, Italy ($11.99) — During these days of shelter-in-place and takeout only from your favorite restaurants, there is a heightened need for good pizza wines. This Montepulciano d'Abruzzo from Fratelli fits the bill nicely, showing pleasing, ripe red-fruit aromas, mouthwatering acidity and moderate tannins. Rating: 87.

Tasting Notes

Gustave Lorentz 2018 Pinot Gris Reserve, Alsace AOC, France ($24.99) — The fragrant 2018 Lorentz reserve is one of the finest examples of pinot gris I've tasted in some time. This vintage combines richness with elegance in a white impressive for its complexity and length. On the palate, it shows notes of dried pear and apple, a subtle spice note and an alluring touch of honeysuckle. Rating: 95.

Black Kite 2017 Pinot Noir, Kite's Rest, Anderson Valley ($50) — Although the Black Kite estate is separated into three distinct vineyard blocks, every vintage, winemaker Jeff Gaffner puts together a blend of the three as Kite's Rest. The synergy is exceptional, combining elegance and richness for a beautifully balanced, spicy pinot noir. It shows aromas of cherry and raspberry, supple tannins and impressive length on the finish. Rating: 94.

Chappellet 2018 'Grower Collection' Pinot Noir, Dutton Ranch, Russian River Valley ($49) — This vintage of Chappellet from the famed Dutton Ranch exhibits lifted notes of strawberry and cherry, a touch of earthiness, and notes of wood spice and soft tannins. It's ready to drink now. Rating: 92.

Black Kite 2017 Pinot Noir, Soberanes Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands ($45) — While the Black Kite estate vineyard in Mendocino's Anderson Valley remains its star attraction, its other wines sourced from far-flung AVAs throughout California merit great respect. Here winemaker Jeff Gaffner has crafted a beautiful pinot noir that delivers on the nose with aromas of dark cherry and tea leaf. On the palate, the wine is delicate and refined, with excellent depth and persistence through the finish. And the best part is the price, especially for a vineyard-designate pinot noir from a top-notch producer. Rating: 91.

Cortonesi 2015 'La Mannella' Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Italy ($74.99) — This charming brunello radiates warmth, an earthy nose, and aromas of dried cherry and wood spice. The tannins have integrated beautifully, creating an approachable brunello that is soft and voluptuous and ready to drink now. Bring on that grilled veal chop! Rating: 91.

Tinto Figuero '15' 2018 Tempranillo Reserva, Ribera del Duero, Spain ($65.99) — The "15" indicates 15 months of barrel age for this exceptional tempranillo. Richly layered and complex, it exhibits a peppery note that complements the bright aromas of cherry and plum, along with subtle hints of fall baking spices. It's built for the long haul but impressive and enjoyable now. Rating: 91.

Follow Robert on Twitter at @wineguru. To find out more about Robert Whitley and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com. Email Robert at [email protected].

Photo credit: Free-Photos at Pixabay