Today we share a world-class tasting and winery experience in the Napa Valley, Domaine Carneros is perched high on a hill, overlooking the valley. The winery has outstanding food pairings for their sparkling wines. Caviar? They’ve got that pairing as well. Domaine Carneros literally towers over the valley, showcasing sweeping views for miles that you won’t find at any other winery. It is hard to believe that this house was started all the way back in the 1970s as 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.
A few years back Domaine Carneros hired Remi Cohen to serve as CEO and director of winemaking. She took over Napa pioneer Eileen Crane, who had been crafting sensational, age-worthy sparkling wines in the Napa Valley for over 30 years. I had the chance to taste base wines with her last fall and I have been so impressed with her guidance of this program. There is little doubt that the ‘Le Reve’ is one of the finest sparkling wines made in North America.
Do not miss out on the 2016 Domaine Carneros ‘Le Reve’ Sparkling Wine (OB, 96) which is heady and intense, showing off the richness of this vintage., Learn more about these outstanding wines at https://www.domainecarneros.com Here are the new sparkling wines by Domaine Carneros
2019 Domaine Carneros ‘Brut’ Sparkling Wine- The 2019 ‘Brut’ comes from this outstanding vintage where harvest was condensed and began in mid-August. 60% Chardonnay with the remainder Pinot Noir, this was given .9% dosage. Juicy pear and nectarine skin flavors combine with salty minerals and nutty nuances on the palate. Bright and delicious, this is showing marvelously right now. Drink 2024-2032- 92
2020 Domaine Carneros ‘Brut Rose’ Sparkling Wine- A beautiful wine from a tough vintage, the 2020 Domaine Carneros ‘Brut Rose’ Sparkling Wine is comprised of 57% Pinot noir with the reindeer Chardonnay and also given .9% dosage. This offers nice salty soil tones alongside bright red raspberry and bing cherry notes with orange peel accents. With a smooth mousse and refined mouthfeel, this has another eight plus years to go. This is refined Rose bubbles that comes off clean and highly nervy. Drink 2024-2032- 92
2017 Domaine Carneros ‘Late Disgorged Brut’ Sparkling Wine- The 2017 Domaine Carneros ‘Late Disgorged Brut’ Sparkling Wine is a combination of near equal parts Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The wine is showing beautifully now at the seven year mark, offering brioche, rich pear and starfruit tones aromatically. The palate is fresh and beautifully textured with a refined mousse. Lemongrass, candied ginger, macadamia nut and rich orchard fruits greet you on the palate, with great elegance. This is refined stuff that is drinking marvelously now. Drink 2024-2033- 94
2016 Domaine Carneros ‘Le Reve Blanc de Blancs’ Sparkling Wine- The outstanding 2016 Domaine Carneros ‘Le Reve Blanc de Blancs’ Sparkling Wine is another world-class release from this wine. This is deeply concentrated in the glass, showing white grapefruit blossom that combines with star jasmine, green apple and shades of crushed oyster shell. The palate offers racy acidity on the mouth with a beautiful, soft mousse and gobs of mouth-watering acidity. With more air the citrus oil flavors become more and more intense, alongside passion fruit and shades of white truffle, alongside nutty accents. This is hedonistic and complex sparkling wine that will cellar well for another fifteen plus years to come. Drink 2024-2038- 96