Made entirely from Chardonnay, it shows real delicacy and richness, with a mousse as smooth as fine satin. Flavorwise, it’s enormously rich, suggesting oranges, limes, honey, vanilla, toast and the sweet, yeasty doughiness of a brioche pastry. Really gorgeous, a worthy followup to the fabulous 2005 La Rêve.
— S.H.
(11/1/2012)
With this brut-style wine, Domaine Carneros competes against California’s most serious sparkling wine contenders. It is certainly the finest Le Rêve ever, glamorous and provocative, massively flavored in lemon, lime and tangerine flavors, yet balanced and elegant, with the doughy tartness of Champagne. A great achievement.
— S.H.
(6/1/2011)
A superb bubbly, almost entirely comprised of Chardonnay, with 2% Pinot Blanc. It’s super-sophisticated, with that elegantly dry, crisp, yeasty feeling associated only with the best sparkling wines. Shows its California origins in the ripe lemon, lime and strawberry flavors that flatter, then pull back into a closure of minerals and spice. A great wine, although…
— S.H.
(9/1/2010)
Almost 100% Chardonnay, this bubbly shows a gorgeous elegance and dry sophistication. It’s all taffeta and silk, so light and airy, so drinkable. With subtle hints of lime custard, bread dough, lees and vanilla, it’s one of the best blanc de blancs of this year. Drink now through 2010.
— S.H.
(6/1/2007)
Super-fruity now, almost too much so for a sparkling wine. Tastes like a Chardonnay with bubbles. But of course the wine is still young at the age of six-plus years. It wants time in the cellar. Should develop slowly and well over the next decade, acquiring nutty, dried fruit and honey complexities.
— S.H.
(4/1/2010)
Sometimes you want the richness of a rosé sparkler, and with this Pinot Noir and Chardonnay blend, you get plenty of flavor. Although its dry, it’s flamboyant in raspberries, strawberries and vanilla, along with the stimulating yeast of a great bubbly. Just great on its own, or drink with sushi or roast salmon.
— S.H.
(9/1/2010)
Basically a blanc de blancs, this 100% Chardonnay is delicate, fine and delicious. It is pale straw in color, with a storm of small, fine bubbles and pretty aromas of lime, smoke, yeast and vanilla. In the mouth, you’ll find rich flavors of lime and peach, in a dry wine that’s light and clean. It’s also firm and crisp enough to warrant a decade in the cellar.
— S.H.
(12/31/2004)
Few Pinot Noirs are as delicious right out of the bottle. Dazzles with tiers of raspberry and cherry tart, smoky pie crust, cinnamon and nutmeg spices and a sweet squirt of vanilla. For all the richness, it’s dry and crisp. Drink now with seared tuna, lamb chops, beef tenderloin.
— S.H.
(10/1/2011)