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Blanc de Noirs
Tasting Notes
Bright strawberry and black cherry aromas with subtle vanilla highlights. Creamy cherry, lemon and cola flavors combine with a lush palate, small, lively bubbles and a persistent finish.
Winemaking Notes
Our Blanc de Noirs is predominantly made from hand-harvested Pinot Noir grapes, the hallmarks of which are a vibrant red fruit character. The creamy palate and rosy hue are a result of a small addition of Vin Gris, which was blended into the base cuvée. Over forty different clones and selections of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are planted on our 340-acre estate in the Sonoma Carneros district. This allows us to consistently produce cuvées with complexity and clear fruit expression.
Acclaim
VERY GOOD
"Smoother mouthfeel than most; lots of ripe fruit."
- Consumer Reports, January 2013
90 POINTS
"Fun and festive, with floral raspberry and graham cracker aromas leading to crisp and succulent lemon and strawberry flavors. A reliable value in California bubbly."
- Wine Spectator, October 2012
90 POINTS - EDITORS' CHOICE
"There’s a lot going on for the price in
this honeyed, rich blush wine. Pinot Noir gives hints of strawberries, while Chardonnay contributes limes and oranges. The result is a smooth, crisp sipper for drinking now."
- Wine Enthusiast Magazine, December 15, 2011
Awards
2013 Gold Medals
Pinot Noir Shootout
San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
2012 Gold Medals
Affairs of the Vine Critics Challenge
Dallas Morning News Wine Competition
Fingerlakes Wine Competition
Jefferson Cup International
LA International Wine Competition
Monterey Wine Competition - Best Blanc de Noirs & Sweepstakes
National Orange/Pacific Rim
Riverside International - Double Gold
San Francisco International Wine Competition - Double Gold
Tasters Guild
US National Wine Competition - Double Gold
Food Affinities
Outstanding with crab, Thai cuisine, roast pork, quail, foie gras or semi-sweet desserts. Seasoning affinities include star anise, plum sauce and tarragon. Look to triple aged gouda or hard aged cheeses with persimmons and hazelnuts for the cheese course.
Analysis
Blend: 90% Pinot Noir, 10% Chardonnay
