2022 Domaine Carneros by Taittinger - Napa Brut (750ml)

Domaine Carneros was founded in 1987 by Claude Taittinger, head of the storied Champagne house that bears his family name, who selected 138 acres in the heart of Carneros to build an American outpost. The winery itself was modeled after Château La Marquetterie, the Taittinger family's estate in Champagne acquired by Pierre-Charles Taittinger back in 1934, giving the Napa property its distinctive French château look. Since then, Domaine Carneros has become one of California's leading producers of traditional method sparkling wine, sourced entirely from its own sustainably farmed estate vineyards.

This vintage-dated Brut represents the best of Domaine Carneros's Pinot Noir and Chardonnay each year, blended in proportions that shift slightly with the character of the harvest. The 2022 leans toward Pinot Noir, with Chardonnay filling out the remainder of the cuvée. Made using the traditional méthode champenoise, the wine spends time aging on its lees, a process that builds the fine, persistent bubbles and creamy texture the winery has become known for.

The 2022 Brut opens with green apple, honeydew melon, and pear, layered with lemon zest and a touch of toasted bread. The palate shows macadamia nut, baked apple, and shortbread, finishing with the winery's signature creaminess. It pairs wonderfully with fried chicken, smoked salmon, or steak tartare.