2012 Schwarze Vineyard Brut (1 x 750 ML)

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The 2012 Schwarze Vineyard Brut is the first sparkling wine that we have produced solely focused on Chardonnay from this exceptional site. This was a spectacular grapegrowing season in the Carneros AVA. Lower than normal frost incidents in the early spring, well timed rainfall in the late spring, and lower than normal heat spikes during the summer, all combined to provide large quantities of delicious fruit.

Planted to Chardonnay, Schwarze Vineyard is located on the north side of Las Amigas Road, in the southern end of the Napa Carneros AVA. The dark loamy soils along the Carneros Creek are just north of the San Pablo Bay, providing the vines with a surplus of nutrients and water with which to grow. Intense flavors and gripping acidic structure are found in the grapes that are harvested from these vines. Consistantly producing some of our very best Charonnay grapes, we are pleased to have worked with the Schwarze family for over 20 years.

With 42 months of contact on the yeast following the second fermentation, this wine has developed a caramelized and toasty richness that enhances the bright fruit on the palate. We are very proud to highlight the Schwarze Vineyard in this rare bottling.

Tasting notes

The 2012 Schwarze Vineyard has generous aromas of kiwi and Granny Smith apple. The fruitful nose is complemented by notes of vanilla creme and elder flower. On the palate, there are bright flavors of meyer lemon and tangerine. The bright finish lingers on the palate with fruitful intensity and rich texture- Winemakers Sean Thompson and Hugh Davies

Reviews

93 Points
Emphatically Blanc de Blancs in its firm, tight, brisk, yeasty, rich and austerely refined construction, this impressive bottling hits all the expected marks on the pathway from its precise aromas to its small and insistent bubbles and misses not a beat across the palate. It simply crackles with Blanc de Blancs vitality and can stand alone as an incisive sipper but perhaps is even better suited for service alongside a tangy, savory selection of nibbles.- Connoisseur's Guide to California Wine (December 2017)
93 Points
Made entirely from Chardonnay grapes grown in one site, the inaugural vintage of this cuvée is delicious. It offers a rich core of almond paste flavor, with inviting peach, apple and pear fruit tones, all while remaining light, bright and highlighted with wet stone and gravel.- Wine Enthusiast (July 2017)
91 Points
Rich and bold, with a hint of age and complexity, offering apple skin, ginger and roasted almond flavors.- Wine Spectator (July 2017)

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