2005 Domaine Carneros Brut - USA, California, Napa Valley, Carneros (9/2/2009)
One of the better California sparkling wines I’ve had, and certainly the best Domaine Carneros Brut I’ve tasted. The bouquet is complex, exhibiting vanilla-tinged citrus notes and violets, with an underlying ribbon of lees/yeastiness. The only thing keeping this from being a dead ringer for a NV Champagne is the mouthfeel. A touch too acidic and not as rounded as I’d like, but still delicious.
It has been several years since I had a bottle of Domaine Carneros - it is time I look it up once again. I used to enjoy it in the ‘early stage’ of my wine pursuits, and it is an interesting experience when touring wine country to visit the winery.