98pt California Bubbles?!?!
When we think of the wines of California, we think of ambition. A strive to do any and everything as well, if not better, than the Europeans they seek to surpass. Bigger, better, grander. An ethos historically made reality through sheer force of will. Wines sought after both domestically and abroad.
However, to our palates, the one place they had yet to truly excel was in the realm of sparkling wine. We would say that until today, we had never had a sparkling wine from California that we would reach for over a great wine of Champagne or Franciacorta.
Such a wine would need to thread that particular and elusive needle: distinctly Californian in profile, but possessing the elegance and structure of a European classic. So, it should come as no surprise that the winemaker behind Carboniste has a history rooted in the winemaking traditions of both high-end Burgundy and Californian sparkling wine: Schramsberg and Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, respectively. An intersection of culture, style and terroir that permeates "The Whale."
Styled after a classic Blanc de Blancs, "The Whale" is 100% Chardonnay that feels at home both in the sunny fields of California and the village of Oger in Champagne. Beautifully structured, with fine, crisp bubbles that accentuate a palate brimming with white fruit and lemon curd.
As the price of true Champagne soars higher and higher, these are the kinds of wines we need to begin seeing more of. The kinds of wines we should all be investing in.
Review
Jeb Dunnuck 98 points — "Stunningly good ... impressive purity of fruit and focused acidity with juicy texture, It is so bright and amazingly smooth on the palate."
Wine
V23 Carboniste Whale-100% Chardonnay
Price
Reg. $39.99 NET. $33.99