It is my pleasure to share one of the jewels of west coast wine. Domaine Carneros is perched high on a hill, overlooking the valley. The winery has world-class food pairings including Kaluga to match with their outstanding wines. 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. 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. Their top wine, the ‘Le Reve,’ is one of the finest sparkling wines made in North America.
I love their new lineup of wines. I’m amazed at their quality in the entry level, their 2020 Domaine Carneros ‘Brut’ Sparkling Wine (OB, 93) which is fresh, vibrant and wonderfully nuanced. They did remarkably well in 2020 so buy these wines with confidence. Learn more about these outstanding wines at https://www.domainecarneros.com Here are the new sparkling wines by Domaine Carneros
2020 Domaine Carneros ‘Brut’ Sparkling Wine- The 2020 ‘Brut’ comes from this challenging vintage, as the wine combines 60% Chardonnay with the remainder Pinot Noir. This is wonderfully salty and offers a smooth mousse upon entry. Lime zest and nectarine skin combines with shades of salted pear and honeydew melon on the palate. This is just a killer value in sparkling wine. Drink 2025-2033- 93
2019 Domaine Carneros ‘Ultra Brut’ Sparkling Wine- The 2019 ‘Ultra Brut’ has zero dosage and saw extended less aging. This is marvelously fresh and nervy, with great richness. Layers of melon fruits and salty minerals combine with suggestions of roasted mango and Japanese pear on the palate. Very finesse-laden and nuanced, with lovely stony and nutty accents, enjoy now and over the next decade. Drink 2025-2035- 93
2021 Domaine Carneros ‘Brut Rose’ Sparkling Wine- The 2021 ‘Brut Rose’ comes from the warm 2021 vintage. The blend is exactly the same as the 2020 edition (57% Pinot Noir, 43% Chardonnay) with .9% dosage. Brioche and bright red raspberry tones mark the nose with red rose petals and dried cranberry notes. The palate is round and generous on the mouth, loaded with texture and salty minerals. A joy to drink now, enjoy over the next eight plus years. Drink 2025-2033- 92
2018 Domaine Carneros ‘Late Disgorged Brut’ Sparkling Wine- The 2018 Domaine Carneros ‘Late Disgorged Brut’ Sparkling Wine is near equal parts Pinot Noir and Chardonnay coming from their Carneros estate. This is round and generous stuff on the mouth, with buttered French bread, salted cashew nut, starfruit and shades of mango on the palate. Rich and voluptuous on the mouth, enjoy now and over the next decade. Drink 2025-2035- 94