2018 Domaine Carneros 'Le Rêve' Blanc de Blancs

Founded by Champagne Taittinger, Domaine Carneros crafts 'Le Rêve' as its flagship prestige cuvée, widely regarded as one of North America's premier sparkling wines. Sourced entirely from estate Chardonnay blocks in the cool Carneros AVA, the 2018 vintage benefited from a long, even growing season that allowed for complete flavor development while preserving bright natural acidity. Following six years of extended lees aging before disgorgement, the wine opens with aromas of toasted brioche, white flowers, Meyer lemon, and green apple, accompanied by subtle notes of roasted almond and wet stone. On the palate, a fine, creamy mousse is balanced by crisp citrus drive, carrying layered flavors of pear, lemon curd, and lightly baked pastry through a long, precise finish. It is a refined, fully mature Blanc de Blancs drinking superbly today and capable of evolving in the cellar over the next decade.