Sparkling wine is hot. I figured that it was well overdue that I posted on one of the top producers of sparkling wine in California. Domaine Carneros is truly one of the gorgeous spots in the Carneros region of Napa Valley to visit and sample outstanding sparkling wine. The winery itself was inspired by a French chateau in Champagne and sits high on a hill, with sweeping views of the Napa Valley. If you have never visited Domaine Carneros it is a must visit especially if you are fond of great sparkling wines. Claude Taittinger of famed Champagne house Taittinger, began his search for a good spot to make California Sparkling Wine in the late 1970s. Finally in 1987 he selected a 138-acre parcel in the Carneros region of the Napa Valley.
Domaine Carneros relies on the winemaking talents of Eileen Crane, who has worked more than 30 harvests. Known for great sparkling wine, their 2014 Domaine Carneros ‘Brut’ Sparkling Wine (WWB, 90) is a serious value that shows a silky mousse and a very nice range of flavors. Leaving no doubt, the star of the Domaine Carneros portfolio is the scintillating 2011 Domaine Carneros ‘Le Reve’ Sparkling Wine (WWB, 94) which is a silky, sexy wine that has gobs of acidity and wonderful texture. This wine was inspired by Champagne Taittinger’s Comtes de Champagne, is their tête-de-cuvée, created from five estate clones of Chardonnay. This is truly a spectacular wine for the cellar. Learn more about these outstanding wines at https://www.domainecarneros.com Here are the new sparkling wines by Domaine Carneros
2014 Domaine Carneros ‘Brut’ Sparkling Wine- This great value Sparkling Wine takes on a nice musty nose showing wild mushroom with good citrus fruits and white flowers. Bright and effusive, this yields wonderful citrus and pitted fruit flavors with good tension and a touch of sweetness. Drink 2018-2024- 90
2014 Domaine Carneros ‘Brut’ Rose Sparkling Wine- This beautiful salmon colored Rose Sparkling Wine shows cran-orange and pomegranate seed on the nose. The mousse shows nice richness with cranberry, mulberry and a nice salinity on the palate. I can see this cellaring well over the next decade as tertiary notes will build brightly. Drink 2018-2025- 90
2013 Domaine Carneros ‘Ultra Brut’ Sparkling Wine- This bright Sparkling Wine starts with citrus blossom and white flowers on the nose. The palate shows wonderful astringency with kumquat and minerals. The minerality and citrus edge really drives this excellent wine. Drink 2018-2025- 91
2011 Domaine Carneros ‘Le Reve’ Sparkling Wine- The 2011 Domaine Carneros ‘Le Reve’ comes from a cold vintage that saw a very cool summer. Now seven years of age, this golden hued sparkling wine begins with brioche, wild mushroom and Pink Lady apple. This shows a nice astringency on the palate with wonderful weight, poise and texture. This outstanding wine shows a range of citrus and tree fruit flavors that entice and create some mouth-watering acidity. The long cream and mineral driven finish lingers. This is a show-stopping sparkling wine. Drink 2018-2033- 94
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