Each week, I spotlight a wine that truly captivates—whether for its distinctive character, compelling backstory, or the simple joy it brings in the glass. This week’s feature, the 2020 Domaine Carneros Blanc de Blancs, carries both a personal connection and a lasting impression.

A few years ago, during a visit to Domaine Carneros, we tasted the 2015 Blanc de Blancs and were immediately struck by its elegance. We left with a magnum, tucking it away for a special occasion. That moment arrived on New Year’s Day 2025, when we gathered with friends and uncorked it alongside a magnum of Roederer Estate Brut Rosé. Both were outstanding, but the Blanc de Blancs disappeared faster than any magnum of sparkling wine I’ve ever poured—a testament to its irresistible charm.

That joyful memory stayed with me. So on a recent return visit to the winery, I didn’t hesitate to pick up the newly released 2020 vintage. It’s a wine that speaks of craftsmanship, celebration, and for me, a touch of nostalgia.

About Domaine Carneros

Perched amid the rolling hills of Napa Valley’s southern Carneros region, Domaine Carneros is a name synonymous with elegant méthode traditionnelle sparkling wines. The winery was founded in 1987 as a partnership between the Taittinger family of Champagne, France and Eileen Crane, a trailblazer in American sparkling wine who served as founding winemaker and CEO. Under her leadership, Domaine Carneros quickly earned a reputation as one of California’s premier sparkling wine houses—blending French tradition with California expression.

Crane retired in 2020 after more than three decades of guiding Domaine Carneros to national acclaim. She was succeeded by Remi Cohen, a respected wine industry executive with deep expertise in both viticulture and winery management.

Under Cohen’s leadership, the winery has expanded its commitment to sustainability. It has increased its solar array and is in the process of building its own microgrid, ensuring greater energy independence and a reduced carbon footprint. These forward-looking efforts align with Domaine Carneros’s Napa Green and Fish Friendly Farming certifications, reinforcing its role as a leader in environmental stewardship.

Equally impressive are the winery’s hospitality offerings, which blend elegance with approachability. The acclaimed “Bubbles & Bites” tasting menu now rotates seasonally, pairing sparkling wines with global cuisines to highlight their versatility at the table. Other curated experiences include “Plat de Perles,” an oyster and sparkling wine pairing, and the indulgent Ultimate Caviar Experience—all offered in the elegant setting of the estate’s iconic château.

At its core, Domaine Carneros remains committed to crafting wines from its estate vineyards, which span more than 400 acres in the cool, windswept Carneros AVA—a prime region for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, the foundational grapes for sparkling wine. The winery’s sparkling portfolio reflects a meticulous attention to detail: extended lees aging, low dosages, and a clear, focused sense of place.

From the château-inspired tasting room to the fine bead in every glass, Domaine Carneros continues to embody precision, place, and timeless style—building on its legacy while looking confidently to the future.

2020 Domaine Carneros Blanc de Blancs

What is Blanc de Blancs?
The term Blanc de Blancs translates to “white from whites” and refers to sparkling wines made exclusively from white grape varieties. In Champagne and California, that typically means 100% Chardonnay, or in this case, a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Gris. Blanc de Blancs are known for their finesse, vibrant acidity, and graceful aging potential, often offering more citrus and mineral-driven character compared to richer, Pinot Noir–based blends.

A blend of 77% estate-grown Chardonnay and 23% estate-grown Pinot Gris, this wine was aged on the lees for at least three years before disgorgement, with a dosage of 0.9%.

Tasting note: Pale straw yellow with enticing Meyer lemon zest, ripe pear, golden apple, orange blossom, vanilla bean, brioche, and a hint of marzipan with butter on top. On the palate, it’s medium-bodied with mouthwatering acidity that brings lift and energy with Meyer lemon, pear, golden apple, and vanilla, joined by subtle apricot and honey notes all accented by a refined saline minerality and a long layered finish. 12% ABV|SRP – $66

Whether you’re marking a milestone or simply elevating an ordinary moment, the 2020 Domaine Carneros Blanc de Blancs proves that great sparkling wine belongs at the center of life’s celebrations—big and small. Made exclusively from white grapes—primarily Chardonnay—Blanc de Blancs wines are prized for their elegance, freshness, and age-worthiness. This bottle is no exception.