One of the most beautiful spots in Carneros, Domaine Carneros was founded by the Tattinger family years ago on this electric site with sweeping views of the valley. It was back in the 1970s that Claude Taittinger, of famed Champagne house Taittinger, began his search for a good spot to make California Sparkling Wine. Finally in 1987 he selected a 138-acre parcel in the Carneros region of the Napa Valley. The spot he selected is truly unique, as it has a massive maritime influence being perched near the bay. The vineyard is quite windy and produces highly concentrated berries that are very small in size.
Remi Cohen to serves as CEO and director of winemaking, taking over for Napa pioneer Eileen Crane, who had been crafting sensational, age-worthy sparkling wines in the Napa Valley for over 30 years. They make one of the finest sparkling wines in North America, their ‘Le Reve’ which I have had the pleasure of tasting over the past decade. They also make a new Rose ‘Le Reve’ which is utterly fabulous.
I adored the new 2019 Domaine Carneros ‘Rose’ Sparkling Wine (OB, 93) which is fresh with a beautiful core of red fruit flavors. Don’t miss out on the 2021 Domaine Carneros ‘Le Ciel Serein’ Pinot Noir (OB, 94) which shows a smooth texture with many layers and nuanced flavors. Learn more about these outstanding wines at https://www.domainecarneros.com Here are the new releases by Domaine Carneros
2018 Domaine Carneros ‘Brut’ Sparkling Wine- Dense and heady, the 2018 ‘Brut’ Sparkling Wine is an outstanding effort that delivers some serious value. Walnut and Japanese pear flavors mingle well with toasty sourdough bread and baking spices, with salty and nutty undertones on the palate. Showing a soft mouthfeel and beautiful texture, this is great stuff to savor right now. Drink 2023-2029-92
2019 Domaine Carneros ‘Brut Rose Sparkling Wine- Another great Rose release from this house, the 2019 Domaine Carneros ‘Brut Rose’ Sparkling Wine is composed of mainly estate Pinot Noir with a smaller portion Chardonnay. Given .9G/L dosage, the ‘Brut Rose’ offers ripe tangerine zest, red raspberry and shades of Japanese pear on the palate. Showing a soft mouse and wonderful sense of verve and tension, this is beautiful Rose sparkling wine that is really hitting its stride at the four year mark. Enjoy this beauty now and over the next seven plus years. Drink 2023-2030- 93
2018 Domaine Carneros ‘Ultra Brut’ Sparkling Wine- The 2018 ‘Ultra Brut’ is a zero dosage wine that is an outstanding showing from this warmer vintage. On the nose this takes on toasted brioche alongside white peach and salty mineral undertones. The palate is rich and concentrated with a soft mouthfeel and silky mousse. Very salty and savory, with kiwi, gooseberry and cashew nut flavors, this is delicious wine that will be best consumed over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2023-2031- 93
2021 Domaine Carneros ‘Estate’ Pinot Noir- The 2021 ‘Estate’ Pinot Noir is a resounding success in this exciting new vintage. Right away on the mouth this unveils a smooth texture with layers of ripe red cherry, guava and cranberry fruits, with salty soil accents. Medium-bodied and delicious, enjoy this outstanding new wine now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2023-2031- 92
2021 Domaine Carneros ‘Le Ciel Serein’ Pinot Noir- The 2021 Domaine Carneros ‘Le Ciel Serein’ was sourced from mostly Dijon 667 Pinot Noir vines which were first planted back in the early 2000s. The aromatics here are really lovely, as lavender and purple rose petals combine with shades of red currants and citrus blossom on the nose. The palate is silky smooth and very refined, showing good concentration and a seamless sense of texture. The combination of weight and bright acidity suggests this will age exceptionally well. Drink 2023-2038- 94