Le Rêve Blanc de Blancs 2014
Trade Tools
America / Carneros
Inspired by Champagne Taittinger’s Comtes de Champagne, yet its own reflection of Carneros terroir, Domaine Carneros’ luxury tête-de-cuvée is crafted from six sustainably grown estate clones of Chardonnay. The wine is made using the traditional method of Champagne and is aged in bottle for five to six years sur lie before release.
96 Points
Sommelier Journal
2014 vintage
94 Points
Wine Spectator Insider
2014 vintage
Harvest Note
The 2014 vintage was characterized by a smooth and uneventful growing season that produced wines of exceptional quality and energy. We enjoyed a deluge of rain in February that meant we entered the growing season with saturated soils and a full water table. Summer saw a normal daily cycle of marine fog that would burn off by mid-day. July was marked by moderate consistent temperatures and harvest kicked off on August 8th. Continuing moderate August weather allowed us the time necessary to pick the grapes at their optimum ripeness, resulting in beautifully balanced wines.
Tasting Note
On the nose, this classic Le Rêve captivates with lovely notes of honeysuckle, lime blossoms, grilled pineapple, brioche, and a hint of ginger. The palate opens up to honeycomb, yuzu, and notes of a fresh baked lemon pie. This wine displays depth and purity that leads to a long, elegant finish.
Technical Data
GRAPES: 100% Estate Grown Chardonnay
APPELLATION: Carneros
Unique Selling Points
- The winery’s tête-de-cuvée, a luxury Blanc de Blancs (made only from white grapes) crafted from five estate-grown clones of Chardonnay
- 100% Carneros fruit, 100% estate grown
- Aged for a minimum of five and a half years on the lees—a time commitment given to only the finest sparkling wines
“The Taittingers and I both believe that Blanc de Blancs, made from superlative vineyards, are the greatest, and longest-lived of all sparkling wines. We age our Le Rêve (French for the dream) five to six years before release. Taste the depth of flavor and extraordinarily long finish.”
Eileen Crane, Founding Winemaker
About the Grape
Chardonnay
Though it has a distinctive profile, Chardonnay reflects other factors such as soil composition and vinification technique. Chardonnay is a reliable, hardy and prolific vine whose only real vulnerabilities are frost and uneven development of fruit.
