Limited Releases
 |
Limited Release WinesAll of the Limited Release wines are only available at the winery, through this website or to Chateau Society Members. At Domaine Carneros we specialize in growing and producing Chardonnay and Pinot Noir for our sparkling and still wines. Occasionally our winemakers produce small quantities of other wines in addition to our regular offerings - such as the Avant-Garde Merlot. Read more about our small block of old vine Merlot. |
Le Rêve Blanc de Blancs Sparkling Wine
Le Rêve, which translates to “the dream” in French, is a luxury Blanc de Blancs cuvee originally inspired by Taittinger’s Comtes de Champagne. Blanc de Blancs means "white of whites" or white wine made from white grapes.
Eileen Crane and Claude Taittinger believe that the finest sparkling wine in the world is Blanc de Blancs made from Chardonnay grapes. These wines have greater finesse and ageability and Le Rêve is no exception. The Le Rêve Blanc de Blancs is generally 100% Chardonnay (with a small percent of Pinot Blanc in some years). Aged a full 6 years prior to release, Le Rêve drinks beautifully upon release and continues to develop for years in the cellar.
Our Le Rêve Blanc de Blancs has repeatedly been rated "The Best Sparkling Wine in America." This current release is a great successor to these wines and exemplifies the best of our estate-grown chardonnay.
Vermeil Demi-Sec Sparkling
Vermeil (vehr-MAY) is a Demi-Sec, or lightly sweet sparkling wine.. When sparkling Champagnes were first created in the latter part of the 17th Century, sugar was flooding into Europe from Brazil, the Caribbean and eventually Louisiana. As sugar became widely available, sparkling Champagne became a sweet drink.Modern tastes have driven most fine sparkling wines to the dry side; however, an extra touch of dosage makes for a delightful experience. Vermeil matches particularly well with desserts but may be appreciated before dinner or with a main dish enhanced with fruit sauces or reductions.
The name Vermeil comes from a fire-gilding process first developed in France in the 18th Century. Most often it is sterling silver covered with gold. The 2004 Vermeil Demi-Sec is the silver of a classic Brut blend overlaid with the gold of a Le Rêve dosage. Its pale gold appearance glitters with very fine, lively bubbles. Vermeil offers aromas of orange blossom, citrus peel, and baked apples, with hints of caramel and vanilla. The long, creamy finish is rather luxurious.
Ultra Brut Sparkling
Ultra Brut is considered a specialty style, very little is produced either nationally or internationally. It is a more contemplative wine and most often appeals to the true sparkling wine aficionado. It is very dry and therefore best served as an aperitif. It enlivens and refreshes the palate, stimulating the appetite for the pleasures of the meal ahead.
The cuvée is highly complex and developed. Aromas of caramel and toast overlay nuances of pears, apple blossoms, lemon peel and baking spices. The wine is beautifully round and long, belying the minimal dosage. This is a very ageable wine.
Avant-Garde Pinot Noir
The latest complement to our distinguished line of pinot noirs, the Avant-Garde Pinot Noir is the third pinot noir in our collection. Created to be the vanguard of the vintage, this wine heralds the particular fresh fruit qualities of the Carneros Region.The Avant-Garde is a delicate wine intensely aromatic with notes of cherry, raspberries, spice, dark chocolate and black tea. Available only at the winery and in select export markets.
The Famous Gate - Estate
Our 2006 The Famous Gate Pinot Noir marks the thirteenth vintage of a highly distinguished wine reflecting the consistent excellence of Domaine Carneros's intensive and dedicated pinot noir program.
Following fermentation in small, open topped fermenters, the wine was transferred to barrels and aged for a total of ten months. An exhaustive French barrel program comprises seven cooperages that specifically air-dry wood staves for us for three years, yielding softer tannins and less astringency.
Avant-Garde Merlot- Estate
Production of this small block of old vine Merlot began as a wine-making experiment. In 1997, Domaine Carneros purchased a 30 acre vineyard, La Rocaille, which had 5 acres of Merlot already planted on it. It is from this estate-vineyard that we produce a small quantity of Merlot, sold only from the winery.
Our Merlot is intensely aromatic wine with notes of cherry, raspberries, spice, dark chocolate and black tea.