Today we share wines from one of the most beautiful estates in California. Domaine Carneros is a standout winery in Carneros, producing some of the best sparkling wines you will taste in North America. Not only do they have some of the best sparkling wines but the pairings they have for them are ingenious and very thoughtful.
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, 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 2018 Domaine Carneros ‘Le Reve’ Sparkling Wine (OB, 96) which has to be one of the great wines of its kind, wth amazing texture and a soft mousse, 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 2022 ‘Brut’ is a marvelous blend of 60% Chardonnay with the remainder Pinot Noir. It is inviting with its soft, refined mousse. Salted Macadamia nut combines with nectarine skin, kiwi and shades of freshly cut limes on the palate. Rich and refined, with plenty of beautiful tension, this is drinking marvelously now. Drink 2026-2034- 93
2020 Domaine Carneros ‘Ultra Brut’ Sparkling Wine- The outstanding 2020 ‘Ultra Brut’ is made with zero dosage and saw extended less aging. This comes off very tense and nervy, with a rich mouthfeel and great sense of verve. Salty minerals combine with green papaya and cantaloupe flavors, with nutty nuances on the palate. This is going to be a sterling match for sushi. Drink 2026-2035- 93
NV Domaine Carneros ‘Cuvee de la Pompadour’ Rose Sparkling Wine- The NV Domaine Carneros ‘Cuvee de la Pompadour’ Rose Sparkling Wine is a wine made in small amounts, that combines 62% Pinot Noir with the remainder Chardonnay from their estate vineyard. It is made in homage to Madame de la Pompadour, the paramour of French King Louis XV. Given .9% dosage this opens with nutty and damp earthy nuances on the nose with tart pomegranate seed, orange peel, with bergamot accents. This is lifted and soft on the palate with a refined mousse and good sense of length. Drink 2026-2036- 93
2019 Domaine Carneros ‘Late Disgorged Brut’ Sparkling Wine- The 2019 Domaine Carneros ‘Late Disgorged Brut’ Sparkling Wine is comprised of 61% Pinot Noir with the remainder Chardonnay coming from their Carneros estate. Toasted walnut, white peach and shades of salted sourdough bread all combine with lemon rind accents on the nose. This is ripe, fleshy and mineral-laden stuff that is drinking so beautifully now. Drink 2026-2036- 94
2018 Domaine Carneros ‘Le Reve Blanc de Blancs’ Sparkling Wine- A totally dazzling wine, the 2018 ‘Le Reve’ is all Chardonnay coming from their Carneros estate vineyard. Given .8% dosage, this opens with gardenia flower alongside citrus rind and shades of cardamom dusted pastry crust on the nose. The palate is loaded with power and tension with a silky mousse. Dense and delicious, enjoy this stunning sparkling wine now and over the next fifteen years to come. Drink 2026-2041- 96