Blanc de Blancs, North Coast – 2005
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Introduction
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Blanc de Blancs made from Chardonnay is the counterpart to the Blanc de Noirs, made from Pinot Noir. Blanc de Blancs was the first wine Schramsberg produced in 1965 and was America’s first commercially produced, Chardonnay-based brut sparkling wine. Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs gained international recognition in 1972 when then President Nixon served the wine at the historic Toast to Peace in Beijing, China.
The Schramsberg style of Blanc de Blancs is dry and crisp. Small lots of malolactic- and barrel-fermented wines are added for complexity. The wine is aged on the yeast lees in the bottle for some two years prior to disgorgement. With its vibrant, fruitful and crisp nature, this sparkling wine will maintain its freshness, structure and refined finish for many years, even decades following its initial release.
While this wine can be enjoyed by itself as an apéritif, it is also perfect with fresh oysters and other shellfish, crab cakes, ceviche and grilled sea bass. It is also delicious with lemon chicken and Thai curries. Serve with aged Gouda or other hard cheeses and as a counterpoint to soft triple creams.
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Vineyard Profile
- Appellation: North Coast
- County Composition: 66% Napa, 18% Mendocino, 15% Sonoma, 1% Marin
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Vintage Report
- Harvest Date(s): August 19–October 12
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Vinification
- Barrel Fermentation: 22%
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
- Production (in cases): 22,600 cases (12/750ml)
- Alcohol: 13.0%
- TA: 0.87g/100ml
- p H: 3.03
- RS: 1.12g/100ml
- Release Date: January 2008
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Tasting Notes
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The length of the 2005 growing season allowed for the development of ripe fruit character. Fresh crisp apple, lemon chiffon and juicy pineapple all come to mind. Suggestions of warm brioche and hazelnut lead way to a pleasing palate bursting with ripe apple, key lime and plump apricot. The 2005 Blanc de Blancs finishes with refreshing acidity and a quenching palate.
Hugh Davies and Craig Roemer, Winemakers
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Images
Reviews
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Blanc de Blancs, North Coast – 2005 – Quarterly Review of Wines
“Floral peach and lemon peel, with rich lemon carrying on through a bright, brittle finish.”
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Blanc de Blancs, North Coast – 2005 – 90 points – Wine News
“Golden ale hue; very active stream of fine bubbles. Scents of lemon and vanilla with a hint of pear nectar. Foamy on entry with stone fruit and citrus-tinged acidity. Very tart and drying close with a sweet vanilla highlight.”
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Blanc de Blancs, North Coast – 2005 – Veggie Friendly Wines – Sunset Magazine
“Crisp apple and creamy lemon blend with stone fruit and a yummy toasted character.”
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Blanc de Blancs, North Coast – 2005 – 2 1/2 stars – San Francisco Chronicle
“Winemakers Hugh Davies and Craig Roemer added small lots of barrel- and malolactic-fermented wine, which Schramsberg first produced in 1965. Focused aromas of stone, pencil lead, sweet bread dough, lemon rind and hints of yeast. Ripe fruit palate with orange rind on the long finish. Widely available.”