Blanc de Blancs, North Coast – 2009
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Introduction
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The “Blanc de Blancs,” or “white from white,” made from Chardonnay is the counterpart to the “Blanc de Noirs,” or “white from black,” 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 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 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: 69% Napa, 27% Sonoma, 4% Marin
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Vintage Report
- Harvest Date(s): August 21-October 12
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Vinification
- Barrel Fermentation: 29%
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
- Production (in cases): 20,881 (12/750ml)
- Available Formats: 375ml, 750ml, 1.5L, 3L, 9L
- Alcohol: 12.7%
- TA: 0.91g/100ml
- p H: 3.10
- RS: 1.2g/100ml
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Tasting Notes
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The 2009 Blanc de Blancs offers bright aromas of fresh green apple and juicy pineapple, complemented by yeasty sweet bread dough. The aromas lead into an expressive and generous taste of white stone fruit, apple, pear and tart grapefruit. An undertone of salty minerality and a complex creamy palate are supported to the end with mouthwatering acidity. Winemakers Keith Hock and Hugh Davies
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Images
Reviews
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Blanc de Blancs, North Coast – 2009 – 90 points – The Tasting Panel
“Smooth, dense and ripe with nice texture and depth; moderately long and rich.”
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Blanc de Blancs, North Coast – 2009 – 91 points – Wine Enthusiast
“Made from 100% Chardonnay, this bubbly shows Schramsberg’s ease of producing rich, clean and elegant sparkling wines. It’s delicious now in vanilla, yeast, lime and Asian pear flavors, with some sweetness from the dosage….”
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Blanc de Blancs, North Coast – 2009 – 91 points – Wine Spectator
“Elegant and sleekly styled, with appealing aromas of green apple and almond brioche, featuring focused, layered flavors lemon curd, cinnamon and ginger.”
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Blanc de Blancs, North Coast – 2009
Bright aromas of fresh green apple and juicy pineapple are complemented by yeasty sweet bread dough and flavors of white stone fruit, apple, pear and grapefruit. An undertone of minerality and a creamy palate are supported by mouthwatering acidity.