Domaine Carneros Brut 2002

Really delicious, with ripe pear and brioche notes that are layered with heady spices, toasted nuts and cream. Long, rich finish. Ready to drink now.

When Claude Taittinger invested in a knoll-top property at the junction of Highway 121 and Duhig Road, the Carneros district had long since established itself as a superb cool-climate growing region with the capacity to make great sparkling wine. At the time, the name Carneros was anything but a household name, and it was fortunate that he was able to trademark the name of the region within the name of the house Domaine Carneros. Here Eileen Crane (ex of Domaine Chandon and Gloria Ferrer) would be invested with the responsibility of making a classic bubbly. What Crane already knew was the true specialness read more...of this region’s ability to grow structured and aromatic Chardonnay that lends a distinctive fruit character to sparkling wines where the cuvee is dominated with Pinot Noir. This wine thus is a brilliant synthesis of both varieties, with the Chardonnay adding a fresh citrusy note to the first aroma you smell, but more prolonged exposure to the aroma shows not only the burnished Pinot Noir, but also the maturity the wine so desperately needed when it was released nearly a year ago. Domaine Carneros bubblies are indubitably drinkable on release, but count them among the few California sparkling wines that are better for time in bottle. This is a special wine to consider with dinner, not just for special occasions. Indeed, serving it with a meal makes that repast a special occasion! One bonus here is a dosage level that’s a tad higher than some sparkling wines, so it should serve well as an accompaniment to Thai food.    (hide)

This superb, handcrafted sparkling wine, immediately reminiscent of the Taittinger style, is marked by an exceptional refinement and finesse. Its brilliant straw gold color is punctuated by strands of persistent, pinpoint bubbles. The subtle, ripe fruit richness of the Pinot Noir is balanced by the elegant depth and structure of the Chardonnay, converging in notes of toast and vanilla which linger in the extended finish.

When Claude Taittinger invested in a knoll-top property at the junction of Highway 121 and Duhig Road, the Carneros district had long since established itself as a superb cool-climate growing region with the capacity to make great sparkling wine. At the time, the name Carneros was anything but a household name, and it was fortunate that he was able to trademark the name of the region within the name of the house Domaine Carneros. Here Eileen Crane (ex of Domaine Chandon and Gloria Ferrer) would be invested with the responsibility of making a classic bubbly.What Crane already knew was the true specialness read more...of this region’s ability to grow structured and aromatic Chardonnay that lends a distinctive fruit character to sparkling wines where the cuvee is dominated with Pinot Noir. This wine thus is a brilliant synthesis of both varieties, with the Chardonnay adding a fresh citrusy note to the first aroma you smell, but more prolonged exposure to the aroma shows not only the burnished Pinot Noir, but also the maturity the wine so desperately needed when it was released nearly a year ago. Domaine Carneros bubblies are indubitably drinkable on release, but count them among the few California sparkling wines that are better for time in bottle. This is a special wine to consider with dinner, not just for special occasions. Indeed, serving it with a meal makes that repast a special occasion! One bonus here is a dosage level that’s a tad higher than some sparkling wines, so it should serve well as an accompaniment to Thai food.    (hide)

October 2008

Rating: 90/100 - As reviewed by Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wines on Dec-06

No written review

August 2008