J. Schram
Blancs, North Coast
Originally released as our “J. Schram”, with the 2013 vintage this bottling was renamed “J. Schram Blancs” to denote this wine’s Chardonnay-based core. From the inception of Schramsberg’s efforts in 1965, the winery has sought to achieve the greatest elegance and individuality possible in our sparkling wines. J. Schram Blancs epitomizes Schramsberg’s philosophy to create a wine in which no effort has been spared and no care has been omitted. Representing only 2-3% of the winery’s annual production, the Chardonnay-focused J. Schram Blancs blend is assembled from the very best base wine lots of the approximately 300 produced each year. This special bottling is dedicated to Schramsberg’s founder, Jacob Schram, and has been a great success since its premier 1987 vintage was released in 1992.
Vintage Factsheets
The vineyards are in Napa at Wilkinson, Schwarze, and Ramsey vineyards; Marin at Stevens vineyard; and in Sonoma at Piedra Libre vineyard. 58% Sonoma, 30% Napa, 8% Marin, 4% Mendocino.
- Region
- California: North Coast
- Appellation
- North Coast
- Varietal Composition
- Chardonnay, Pinot Noir
- Aging
- Cluster samples from over 115 cool-climate vineyard sources are pulled several times before the optimal pick date for each block is selected. Complexity within the wine is gained through both oak barrel and stainless-steel tank fermentation. Additional layers are provided through small lots that undergo malolactic fermentation in barrel, enriching aromas and infusing creaminess on the palate. Our J. Schram Blancs is aged for eight years on the yeast in Schramsberg’s historic Diamond Mountain caves; each bottle is then riddled by hand and finished with an exceptional brut dosage. Barrel Fermentation: 34% Bottle Aging: 8 years en tirage
- Alcohol
- 12.51%
Aromas of baked peach, caramel apple, marzipan, and brioche, and finishes with nuances of vanilla custard and bright lemon curd. The elegant palate delivers seamless and concentrated flavors, tropical and citrus fruits, layered with creamy notes of sponge cake and graham cracker. A long finish is driven by a generous and lively acidity.
Wine Enthusiast
98 Points
2015
"This wine is rich and robust, with aromas of baked Golden Delicious apple, Asian pear, peach, marzipan, and notes of marigold honey on the nose. The flavors on the palate are yellow apple, kumquat, Satsuma orange, and fine creamy mousse in the mid-palate, with Apricot honey, toasty marcona almond, and a long, supple, silky finish. Pair with Fresh Lobster Roll, the Ultimate Seafood Tower."
— Tonya Pitts, 2024
