Paula Kornell Blanc de Noir 2019
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Elegant streams of ultra-fine bubbles fill the glass, complimented by generous aromas of bright lemon, brioche, freshly cut hay, and a hint of strawberry and currant. The palate is crisp and vibrant, showcasing a concentration of flavors that range from ripe Meyer lemon, to white cherry, straight through to nectarine cobbler. The energetic and lively bubbles persist alongside the heightening complexity of aromas. With a barely perceptible dosage, the result is an evocative representation of the Carneros terroir.
The Napa Valley Blanc de Noirs pairs beautifully with a diverse array of foods, including chicken paillard with arugula and shaved pecorino, grilled swordfish with green olive and tomato tapenade, or a goat cheese omelet.
Blend: 70% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay
Professional Ratings
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Tasting Panel
This amiable traditional-method blend of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay has classic style: Aromas of buttered toast, ripe Anjou pear, yellow apple, and green strawberry lead the way to a linen-crisp yet juicy palate where bright acidity reveals more apple, lemon and lime zest, and apricot. A touch of tangelo sweetness and the tang of pluot appear toward the finish.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
A 70-30 assemblage of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from Mitsuko's Vineyard in Carneros, the 2019 Blanc de Noirs features a hint of mushroom, plus notes of cherries, citrus and rising bread. Medium-bodied, with a fine bead and creamy mousse, this is an excellent, charming example of California sparkling wine. Best After 2022.
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James Suckling
Fine, balsamic character to the brioche, green-plum and sliced-apple aromas and flavors. Creamy and frothy on the palate, with a bright streak of acidity that stands up to the autolysis and fruit concentration. Drink now.
Other Vintages
2020-
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Representing the topmost expression of a Champagne house, a vintage Champagne is one made from the produce of a single, superior harvest year. Vintage Champagnes account for a mere 5% of total Champagne production and are produced about three times in a decade. Champagne is typically made as a blend of multiple years in order to preserve the house style; these will have non-vintage, or simply, NV on the label. The term, "vintage," as it applies to all wine, simply means a single harvest year.
One of the world's most highly regarded regions for wine production as well as tourism, the Napa Valley was responsible for bringing worldwide recognition to California winemaking. In the 1960s, a few key wine families settled the area and hedged their bets on the valley's world-class winemaking potential—and they were right.
The Napa wine industry really took off in the 1980s, when producers scooped up vineyard lands and planted vines throughout the county. A number of wineries emerged, and today Napa is home to hundreds of producers ranging from boutique to corporate. Cabernet Sauvignon is definitely the grape of choice here, with many winemakers also focusing on Bordeaux blends. White wines from Napa Valley are usually Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
Within the Napa Valley lie many smaller sub-AVAs that claim specific wine characteristics based on situation, slope and soil. Farthest south and coolest from the influence of the San Pablo Bay is Carneros, followed by Coombsville to its northeast and then Yountville, Oakville and Rutherford. Above those are the warm St. Helena and the valley's newest and hottest AVA, Calistoga. These areas follow the valley floor and are known generally for creating rich, dense, complex and smooth red wines with good aging potential. The mountain sub appellations, nestled on the slopes overlooking the valley AVAs, include Stags Leap District, Atlas Peak, Chiles Valley (farther east), Howell Mountain, Mt. Veeder, Spring Mountain District and Diamond Mountain District. Napa Valley wines from the mountain regions are often more structured and firm, benefiting from a lot of time in the bottle to evolve and soften.