Schramsberg J. Schram Blancs 2014

'One of the world's best sparkling Blanc de Blancs, the 2014 Schramsberg hits all of the bells and whistles. This wine exhibits bright core fruits, a hint of floral notes, and an almost-creaminess on the palate. Its richness invites a pairing of lightly grilled halibut.'

Originally released as our J. Schram, with the 2013 vintage this bottling was renamed J. Schram Blancs to denote this wines Chardonnay-based core. From the inception of Schramsbergs efforts in 1965, the winery has sought to achieve the greatest elegance and individuality possible in our sparkling wines. J. Schram Blancs epitomizes Schramsbergs philosophy to create a wine in which no effort has been spared and no care has been omitted. Representing only 2-3% of the winerys annual production, the Chardonnay-focused J. Schram Blancs blend is assembled from the very best base wine lots of the approximately 300 produced each year. This special bottling is dedicated to Schramsbergs founder, Jacob Schram, and has been a great success since its premier 1987 vintage was released in 1992.

Cluster samples from over 115 cool-climate vineyard sources are pulled several times before the optimal pick date for each block is selected. Complexity within the wine is gained through both oak barrel and stainless-steel tank fermentation. Additional layers are provided through small lots that undergo malolactic fermentation in barrel, enriching aromas and infusing creaminess on the palate. Our J. Schram Blancs is aged for eight years on the yeast in Schramsbergs historic Diamond Mountain caves; each bottle is then riddled by hand and finished with an exceptional brut dosage.

J. Schram Blancs is quite appealing on its own as an apéritif or enjoyed with fresh shellfish, caviar on toast point, smoked salmon, sharp cheeses, seafood brochettes, cedar-planked lobster, mesquite-grilled quail, or Serrano ham and porcini risotto.

The 2014 vintage was preceded by an exceptionally dry winter. Substantial rain did arrive in late February and early March, relieving some stress and setting up the vines for a vigorous start to the growing season. A warm spring laid the groundwork for early budbreak, and the vintage ran ahead of schedule to an early harvest. Grapes showed an agile balance between ripe fruit and lively acidity, thanks to abundant sun and cool evening temperatures. Quality of the grapes was outstanding, with intense aromatics and depth of flavor.