Winemaker Notes
The 2014 J. Schram Blancs opens with vivid aromas of Meyer lemon, nectarine, golden apple, and poached pear, combined with nuances of Belgian waffle and vanilla cake. The juicy palate features broad elements of rich baked citrus, dried pineapple, and apple strudel, layered with marzipan and ginger. A bright, long finish is driven by a backbone of generous, fruitful acidity.
Blend: 86% Chardonnay, 14% Pinot Noir
Professional Ratings
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Wine Spectator
Luxurious and rich, yet steely and vibrant at the core, with baked apple, brioche, hazelnut and spice flavors that finish on a decadent note. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Drink now through 2026. 2,450 cases made.
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.
Reaching up California's coastline and into its valleys north of San Francisco, the North Coast AVA includes six counties: Marin, Solano, Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino and Lake. While Napa and Sonoma enjoy most of the glory, the rest produce no shortage of quality wines in an intriguing and diverse range of styles.
Climbing up the state's rugged coastline, the chilly Marin County, just above the City and most of Sonoma County, as well as Mendocino County on the far north end of the North Coast successfully grow cool-climate varieties like Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and in some spots, Riesling. Inland Lake County, on the other hand, is considerably warmer, and Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and Sauvignon Blanc produce some impressive wines with affordable price tags.