Le Rêve, Domaine Carneros Sparkling, 2013

I had a lovely glass of this on my birthday last month while sitting on the terrace at Domaine Carneros, in Napa overlooking the vineyards. (If you all have not been to Domaine Carneros yet in Napa, I highly recommend! It’s a taste of luxury and a great way to treat yourself) I will not forget it, and so I then went on to purchase several bottles to pop open when I am in an extra celebratory mood. This was one of those nights! Nothing better than to pop open champagne, well in this case a fabulous sparkling wine, on the beach. If Covid taught me anything, it is to enjoy every moment and even if it sounds ridiculous to bring an expensive champagne, or bottle of wine to the beach on a Tuesday at 5 pm do it anyways … You will enjoy it and it will brighten up your day.

It’s also very fitting that the name of this sparkling is “Le Rêve” which means The Dream in french. I have been writing down all of my dreams and desires lately while sitting near the ocean.

It looks like champagne so why do I call it sparkling? Here is a fact that you should know and remember – the only way a wine can be called champagne is if it is actually from, grown and bottled in Champagne, France. If it is made anywhere else in the world, even in another region in France it CANNOT be called champagne. So even though it tastes like champagne, is made using the exact same methods, it simply is not champagne. Fun facts I’m sure many of you know, but thought I would reiterate.

Le Rêve is the highly respected tête de cuvée – Domaine Carneros winery’s finest sparkling wine and frequently named America’s Best Sparkling. As I mentioned above French for “the dream,” Le Rêve is crafted from 100% estate-grown Chardonnay, making it a Blanc de Blancs.  It’s classic, the 2013 shows lovely notes of toasted brioche, honeysuckle, yuzu, citrus blossoms, and a hint of ginger. The palate opens up to honeycomb and lychee. The full mouth feel leads to a very round and long finish. Delicious now, but there will be additional flavor benefits for those who can wait, meaning you can store this bottle and experience an even heightened sense of flavors in a few years 🙂

I love everything about it. When I just had this in Newport Beach tonight, as I write this review I paired it with sushi. I also love pouring a flute and serving it with a little brie, raspberry jam, and baguette. Go to domainecarneros.com to purchase or if you are lucky go to Napa and sip this on their estate!

Champagne House Taittinger is associated with Domain Carneros, and you can read all about that on their website.

Cheers everyone!