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2005 Royal Cuvée
Our Royal Cuvée is a prestige bottling that showcases the superb quality of the grapes grown on our 335-acre estate vineyard in Carneros. The structure and mouthfeel of this wine have evolved over successive vintages as these impressive vineyard blocks have matured. Made only from the first pressing of hand-picked grapes, this classic Brut blend of two-thirds Pinot Noir and one-third Chardonnay offers the delicacy and exuberance of perfectly ripe fruit well-integrated with complexities derived from over five years of aging on the yeast. The inaugural vintage of "Royal Cuvée" was first served to King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofia of Spain, during their visit to California in 1987.
Tasting Notes
Ripe stone fruit medley and citrus intermingle with toast, butter and yeasty aromas on the nose of this well-developed yet vibrantly fresh sparkling wine. Creamy textures with hints of butterscotch and almonds support delicious flavors of pears, apples and lemons. The elegantly structured and long creamy finish is simply irresistible.
Winemaking Notes
The 2005 vintage began with a very cool, wet spring that slightly delayed bud break and bloom. A mild, sunny and dry summer further slowed the season, and temperatures through September and into October remained below 100°F. As a consequence, a longer than normal period between veraison and harvest provided true hang time.
Acclaim
2004 VINTAGE, 93 POINTS
"A beautiful sparkling wine, rich and refined in the mouth, with creamy flavors that show ripe, sweet California strawberries and lime. This bottling gets better and better with each new release."
- Wine Enthusiast, March 2012
2004 VINTAGE, 90 POINTS
- Wine & Spirits Magazine, February 2012
2004 VINTAGE, 88 POINTS
"Floral aromas of pear and crème brûlée lead to a burst of succulent lemon flavors before turning crisp and minerally on the finish. Drink now through 2014."
- Wine Spectator, April 2012
2004 VINTAGE, 87 POINTS
"The 2004 Royal Cuvée is an attractive wine laced with ripe apricots, pears, hazelnuts and brioche. Hints of toastiness add complexity on the creamy, expansive finish. The blend is 67% Pinot Noir and 33% Chardonnay. Disgorged on 2/4/2011. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2014."
- "The Best of Sonoma", The Wine Advocate #199, February 2012
2004 VINTAGE
"Make your mother feel like a queen with this sparkling wine, whose first vintage was served to the King and Queen of Spain when they visited California in 1987. The 2004 vintage is a blend of two-thirds Pinot Noir and one-third Chardonnay grown on the winery's estate vineyard in the Carneros region of Napa Valley. On the nose, it offers a bouquet of peach and toast. In the mouth, it reveals apple and pear flavors with a hint of butterscotch."
- Gayot, "Top 10 Mother's Day Wines", April 2012
2004 VINTAGE, 89 POINTS
- Connoisseurs' Guide California Wine, November 2011
Awards
2004 VINTAGE, 2013 Gold Medals
San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition - Best of Class
2004 VINTAGE, 2012 Gold Medals
Critics Challenge
Fingerlakes Wine Competition
Jefferson Cup Invitational - Sweepstakes
LA International Wine Competition - Gold Best of Class
Monterey Wine Competition - Platinum
National Orange/Pacific Rim
North of the Gate Wine Competition
US National Wine Competition
Winemakers Challenge - Platinum
Food Affinities
This wine pairs beautifully with a wide variety of appetizers ranging from toasted almonds and marinated olives to fried calamari or seared scallops. Enjoy it with Brie or aged Gouda cheese, steamed mussels and delicate cream based fish and chicken entrees. Seasoning affinities include citrus peel and tarragon.
Analysis
Blend: 67% Pinot Noir 33% Chardonnay
