rating B+

standout the original modern California sparkling producer

about Jack and Jamie Davies bought a (wonderfully beautiful) property in the heart of Napa Valley in 1965, and named it Schramsberg after the original owner, Jacob Schram, one of the first Napa winemakers. Inspired by Champagne, the focus was purely on sparkling wine. They leapt to prominence in 1972 when the 1969 Blanc de Blancs was poured at the US-China summit. A lot has changed since then; their property is one of the hottest in Napa and now most of their fruit is sourced from vineyards in Mendocino, Sonoma Coast, and Carneros. The wines are very good and have a very loyal following, but I don’t find them especially exciting. There is a second label, Mirabelle.

wines tasted

Blanc de Blancs (vintage) ($44)

Schramsberg’s most widely available wine, with production of around 46,000 cases. Two years ageing on the lees, 100% Chardonnay, 9g/l dosage. Fruity, forward, rich California style.

Blanc de Noirs (vintage) ($46)

Despite the name, the wine is 90% Pinot Noir, 10% Chardonnay. 18% barrel fermentation adds to the wine’s round texture, as does 8g/l dosage. Just over 11,000 cases produced. Ripe red fruits and sweet spices, for a forward California style. The clear glass bottle can lead to spoilage if not stored properly.

Brut Rosé (vintage) ($50)

72% Pinot Noir, 28% Chardonnay. 26% barrel fermentation. 9g/l dosage. Chardonnay gives the wine freshness, but this is still a very fruit-forward rosé. Around 16,000 cases produced.

J. Schram Blancs (vintage) ($140)

Schramsberg’s flagship wine formerly known solely as J. Schram—there is now a “Noirs” equivalent. Despite being labelled Blancs, the wine is 86% Chardonnay, 14% Pinot Noir. As is the case with all the wines, some of J. Schram is fermented in barrel (26%). It spends eight years on the lees, with 9g/l dosage. It’s typical of the Schramsberg style: rich, round, fruit-forward, but with a greater yeast, toast, spice, smoke character. I’ve tasted this wine many times but have never paid for it—despite its quality, it’s just too expensive. Around 2,500 cases produced.

website www.schramsberg.com

email info@schramsberg.com

phone +1 800 877 3623

address 1400 Schramsberg Road, Calistoga