TASTING NOTES

The 2016 Blanc de Noirs expresses generous aromas of peach, toasted almond and fresh red apple, which gradually layer with fragrances of strawberry, citrus blossom and marzipan. A juicy entry generously coats the mid-palate with orange and vanilla spice, followed by crisp and tart flavors of raspberry, grapefruit and lemongrass. A lively and balanced acidity gives way to a clean, fresh and mouthwatering floral and mandarin orange finish. - Winemakers Sean Thompson and Hugh Davies

In 1965, Jack and Jamie Davies established Schramsberg Vineyards. One of the pioneers of the area, they set set out to make world-class sparkling wine on property originally owned by Jacob Schram. This 220 acre estate is located in Napa Valley's Diamond Mountain District and its caves, which were dug in the 1880's, extend over 30,000 square feet.

The Schramsbergs produce limited quantities of handcrafted sparkling wines from grapes grown in their 43 acre estate vineyard and with fruit harvested from superior parcels located in cool climate, including Napa- Carneros, Sonoma-Carneros, Mendocino County and the Sonoma and Marin coastal areas. The winemakers draw from 120 vineyard blocks covering 371 acres to create 220 base wines each year. Many of Schramsberg's viticultural and winemaking practices are carried out by hand – grapes are handharvested, the bottles are stacked and riddled in underground caves by hand. The J. Schram, Schramsberg's top offering, is even hand-labeled.

They are unique among California sparkling wine houses in that they barrel ferment 25% of their juice to produce rich, flavorful and complex wines. A world-class winery and recognized leader in the California wine industry, Schramsberg produces America's finest sparkling wines which have been served proudly at state functions at the White House and abroad for decades. Jack and Jamie's son Hugh now manage the winery.