It was a hot summer day amongst the pandemic crazy smoky backdrop and my wife and I sat outside at Domaine Carneros, one of the most beautiful spots in Napa. As we tasted through the lineup we couldn’t help but be impressed with .the overall quality in the lineup and beautiful finesse and mousse in each wine. Domaine Carneros towers over the valley, showcasing sweeping views of the Napa Valley. 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.
Last year Domaine Carneros has a new CEO, Remi Cohen who in 2015 was named to Wine Enthusiast’s 40 under 40 recognition as a tastemaker and influencer in the Napa Valley. Napa pioneer Eileen Crane has been crafting sensational, age-worthy sparkling wines in the Napa Valley for over 30 years. These are wines that age brilliantly as in the past year I have tried more than ten year old bottles of her ‘Le Reve’ which is one of the premier sparkling wines that you will find in North America.
I adored the new 2016 Domaine Carneros ‘Blanc de Blancs’ Sparkling Wine (OB, 93) which is dense and soft with a silky mousse and mouthfeel. Just as good is the sterling and crisp 2016 Domaine Carneros ‘Ultra’ Sparkling Wine (OB, 93) which is fresh and vibrant with its green apple and salty undertones. Learn more about these outstanding wines at https://www.domainecarneros.com Here are the new sparkling wines by Domaine Carneros
2016 Domaine Carneros ‘Estate Brut Cuvee’ Sparkling Wine- The 2016 ‘Estate Brut Cuvee’ reveals toasty brioche notes with apricot and pink grapefruit on the nose. The silky mousse is lovely here as layers of toasted Macadamia nut, green apple, baking spice infused sourdough bread and earthy undertones brilliantly combine on the palate. Drink 2021-2027- 92
2016 Domaine Carneros ‘Blanc de Blancs’ Sparkling Wine- This is a limited production bottling that has a good portion (17%) of Pinot Gris blended in. Given just .9% dosage the wine shows a hauntingly good nose with yeasty tones alongside Gravenstein apple, lemon rind and shades of pink grapefruit blossom. The palate shows a very refined mousse which makes this glide across the drinking experience. Loads of citrus fruits collide with minerals and bright acidity with saline drenched green melon fruits on the palate. Seriously good now, this has the weight and freshness to provide drinking enjoyment over the next decade. Drink 2021-2031- 93
2016 Domaine Carneros ‘Ultra Brut’ Sparkling Wine- A blend of near equal parts Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, this was given just a touch of dosage (.5%). The nose shows biscuit and wet slate tones alongside kumquat and French bread aromatics. The viscosity here is really good as layers of lemon drop, brioche, and salted cashew meld with minerals and the silky mousse on the palate. This is really refined stuff that has another decade or more ahead of it. Drink 2021-2031- 93
2017 Domaine Carneros Rose Sparkling Wine- Crafted by leaving the Pinot Noir on the skins for three days following harvest, this blends 59% Pinot Noir with the remainder Chardonnay. Ripe red cherry and red raspberry flavors combine with minerals, wet stone and salty undertones on the palate. The soft mouthfeel and rich mousse add to the enjoyment. Quite simply, this brilliant stuff to savor now and is better served at a warmer temperature to showcase its full range of flavors. Drink 2021-2027- 92
2018 Domaine Carneros ‘Le Ciel Serein’ Pinot Noir- The 2018 ‘Le Ciel Serein’ was planted between 2002 and 2004, as this site has diverse soils and rolling hills. The soft mouthfeel and wonderful sense of salinity here both entice, as flavors of guava, red cherry puree, pomegranate seed and tilled salty soils all brilliantly combine on the palate. Rich and viscous, with good acidity, this will continue to provide drinking enjoyment for at least another decade. Drink 2021-2033- 93
2018 Domaine Carneros ‘Estate’ Pinot Noir- The 2018 Domaine Carneros ‘Estate’ Pinot Noir spent ten months in French oak before bottling and encompasses a range of Pinot Noir clones. The palate delivers juicy red fruits and comes off full-bodied with cola, orange rind and sassafras undertones. With good acidity, this will hold another decade or more. Drink 2021-2031- 92