Domaine Chandon Pinot Meunier 2006

This Carneros-designated Blanc de Noirs has a delicate copper color and fruit aromas of strawberry and cherry overlaid with warm cocoa from Pinot Noir. Its softer cousin Pinot Meunier contributes a warm spice, almost clove character with overtones of orange peel and freshly baked bread. To enhance this Cuvee 391, wines from the 1991 vintage were blended with selected 'vin de reserve' held back from previous years. 1991 was characterized by cool conditions during maturation and harvest, critical to flavor development for sparkling wine. Three years of aging lends this wine breadth read more...and body, while retaining its freshness and fruitiness. The balance is stylishly crisp, reflecting the Carneros region's full ripe flavors. Light gold hue. Forward apple and ginger scents show a defined earthiness. Creamy flavors of orange, butternut, pecan and vanilla. Long close is round and smooth. -Wine News    (hide)

This Carneros-designated Blanc de Noirs has a delicate copper color and fruit aromas of strawberry and cherry overlaid with warm cocoa from Pinot Noir. Its softer cousin Pinot Meunier contributes a warm spice, almost clove character with overtones of orange peel and freshly baked bread. To enhance this Cuvee 391, wines from the 1991 vintage were blended with selected vin de reserve held back from previous years. 1991 was characterized by cool conditions during maturation and harvest, critical to flavor development for sparkling wine. Three years of aging lends this wine breadth and body, read more...while retaining its freshness and fruitiness. The balance is stylishly crisp, reflecting the Carneros regions full ripe flavors.    (hide)

Winemaker Notes - Pinot Meunier (French for miller in reference to the powdery underside of the leaves that can look as though dusted with flour) is the soulful sibling of Pinot Noir. It plays a small but vital role in the blending of Chandon sparkling wines. Rarely planted outside of the Champagne region in France, Pinot Meunier is being discovered by only the most adventurous winemakers. Domaine Chandon s experience growing Carneros Pinot Meunier for its sparkling wine programs over the past three decades has provided unique insight and allowing the winemaking team to capture the full potential read more...of this variety to create an exceptional wine. Its distinctive character deserves a place on every wine lover s table. First made in 1989, the 2006 Pinot Meunier continues Domaine Chandon s proud tradition pioneering unique wine styles. Search for this wine and you will be rewarded. With its light brick-red color, this wine exhibits aromas of freshly ground white pepper, juniper berry...    (hide)

June 2009

Racy red berry fruit flavors and aromas are crisp and refreshing, with a line of concentrated citrus and mineral notes on the finish. Ready to drink now.

Wild cherry, currants and strawberries dominate both aroma and flavor. These vibrant red fruit flavors linger across the palate and are balanced with lively acidity and a soft, lingering, creamy texture.

September 2009

Chandon Blanc de Noirs is characteristically a delicate salmon color. Dark cherry currant and

October 2009

87WS see above next screen for discounted case price

October 2009

A really interesting wine. Firstly, how often do you see still varietal Pinot Meunier? Its very frequently used as part of the blend in sparkling wines (Champagne commonly), so its hardly a surprise seeing this made by a sparkling wine producer.

Similar to an earthy pinot noir, this wine had flavors of cherries, with some sweet fruity notes and a core earthy undercurrent. Light tannins and a silky finish - again pinot noir -esque - in all it made for a new experience for me

August 2009

This is one of those classic "I dare you not to love this wine" offerings. Straightforward people pleaser, if this wine was a dog it would be a laberdoodle (loyal, with a French accent!).

Bright, great acidity with dark cherry, allspice and slight earthiness. This is not the most complex wine in the world, but it's damn delicious.

August 2009

The wine is garnet in color with expressive aromas of blackberry, black cherry and raspberry jam with classic Pinot Meunier notes of brown spice, truffles and earth. On the palate, the wine is soft and approachable with supple tannins and balanced acidity. Rich, mouth-filling flavors of huckleberries, cloves, nutmeg, and mushrooms lead to a lingering finish. While Domaine Chandon is best known a one of America's top sparkling wines, they also produce limited quantities of wines from estate grown vineyards. They craft these wines by drawing onthe experience with the traditional champagne read more...varietals and showcasing select parcels from their Carneros ranch, where they were among the pioneering growers and vintners of the region.Pinot Meunier (French for miller in reference to the powdery underside of the leaves that can look as though dusted with flour) is the soulful sibling of Pinot Noir. It plays a small but vital role in the blending of Chandon sparkling wines. Rarely planted outside of the Champagne region in France where it represents significantacreage in that appellation, Pinot Meunier is being discovered by only a few of the most adventurous winemakers. Chandon's experience growing Carneros Pinot Meunier for our sparkling wine programs over the past three decades allows gives us unique insight and allows us to tap into the potential of this variety to create an exceptional wine.We believe its distinctive character deserves a place on every wine lover's table. Hand-crafted in 1989 in boutique quantities, the 2005 Pinot Meunier continues our proud tradition pioneeringunique wine styles. Search for this wine and you will be rewarded.    (hide)

Wine Tasting NotesIntriguing aromas of brown spice, cinnamon, truffle, and rhubarb overlay notes of red currant. The palate is soft, long and complex. Flavors of candy apple and cherry complement a lusciously sweet and spicy finish.

January 2009

Rating: San Diego 2005 Bronze - As reviewed by San Diego Int'l Wine Comp. on 04/01/05

No written review

September 2009

Rating: Riverside 2005 Competition Silver - As reviewed by Riverside Competition on 03/31/01

Rating: 87/100 - As reviewed by Wine Spectator

Rating: San Diego 2004 Bronze - As reviewed by San Diego Int'l Wine Comp. on 04/01/04

Rating: Critics Challenge 2005 Gold - As reviewed by Critics Challenge on 05/01/05

Rating: 91/100 - As reviewed by Wine Enthusiast

Rating: 87/100 - As reviewed by Wine Spectator on 12/31/06

Rating: 86/100 - As reviewed by Wine Spectator on 12/15/05

No written review

July 2009

No written review

December 2008

Rating: 87/100 - As reviewed by Wine Spectator on 12/15/04

Rating: 84/100 - As reviewed by Wine Spectator on 01/01/02

No written review

November 2007

No written review

January 2008

No written review

November 2008

Rating: Riverside 2006 Competition Bronze - As reviewed by Riverside Competition on 03/31/02