Today we share one of the great sparkling wine houses on the West Coast. Perched high on a hill, overlooking the valley., Domaine Carneros is one of my favorite wineries to visit. Founded back in 1987 by Claude Taittinger, of famed Champagne house Taittinger, the location is 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. At the helm is Remi Cohen who serves 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. There is little doubt that their, ‘Le Reve,’ is one of the finest sparkling wines made in North America. They also have been steadily improving their Pinot Noir program and currently have a glorious range of still wines.
I love the new wines. The 2016 Domaine Carneros ‘Le Reve Late Disgorged’ Sparkling Wine (OB, 98) is arguably the best sparkling wine from North America I have tasted in the past year. It is a stunning, thrilling wine to consume now. Do not sleep on this beauty. Learn more about these outstanding wines at https://www.domainecarneros.com Here are the new wines by Domaine Carneros
2016 Domaine Carneros ‘Le Reve Late Disgorged’ Blanc de Blancs Sparkling Wine- A total masterclass by this storied house, the 2016 ‘Le Reve Late Disgorged’ saw nearly ten years on the lees before disgorgement. The nose is sensational with candied ginger and lemon rind that combines with suggestions of basil leaf, and salted French bread. The palate takes on a silky mousse that glides throughout the drinking experience. The finish will last for an entire minute as this is undeniably one of the finest sparkling wines from North America that I have tasted in the past year. A joy to savor now, enjoy this impeccably balanced sparkling wine now and over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2025-2035- 98
2023 Domaine Carneros ‘Estate’ Pinot Noir- The 2023 ‘Estate’ Pinot Noir is a fresh and complex bottling from this storied estate in the Carneros district. It comes off soft and neatly-textured on the mouth with terrific freshness. A beautiful melange of red currants, guava and Yakima cherry combine with shades of salty soils on the palate. Viscous and fresh, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2025-2038- 94
2023 Domaine Carneros ‘Le Ciel Serein’ Pinot Noir- The 2023 Domaine Carneros ‘Le Ciel Serein’ Pinot Noir is a beautiful edition of this wine that is fresh, viscous and shows outstanding flavor range. Salted soils and shades of wild blackberry fill the nose alongside hints of cola, white pepper and Hoisin sauce. The palate is dense and rich with a lifted freshness and lovely floral accents. Drink 2025-2040- 95
2023 Domaine Carneros ‘The Famous Gate’ Pinot Noir- Mainly Swan clonal selection Pinot Noir, the 2023 ‘The Famous Gate’ was stored for 16 months in 45% new French oak before bottling. This is a totally dazzling Pinot Noir in terms of weight, finesse and salty character. A killer melange of red and dark fruits combine with shades of black peppercorns, oyster sauce and shades of milk chocolate. This is highly complex, delicious stuff that beautifully displays the lift, tension and nuance from this vintage. Drink 2025-2040- 96