(Photo Courtesy of Domaine Carneros)
Whether your Valentine’s Day plans entail time spent with a special someone, or a relaxing evening at home alone, the occasion provides a time to reflect on all of the love in your life. Celebrate that love with a flute that is filled with something sparkly. Few other small pleasures can match the elation-inducing effect of sparkling wine, and one need look no further than our own Napa Valley to find the highest quality cuvées, such as those produced by Domaine Carneros.
Thirty years after the winery’s inaugural harvest, Domaine Carneros has become a benchmark for California sparkling wine, reflecting both the individuality of the Carneros’ terroir and the craftsmanship of its French legacy. Founded in Napa’s Carneros appellation by the Champagne Taittinger family, Domaine Carneros crafts ultra-premium sparkling wines (and limited production Pinot Noirs) at its stunning Carneros facility, styled after an 18th century château-style and situated high atop a knoll and overlooking endless rolling vineyards. The elegant property was architecturally inspired by the historic Château de la Marquetterie owned by Champagne Taittinger in France’s Champagne region, and is an iconic Northern California landmark. And though a visit is a Napa Valley ‘must,’ one need not leave the comfort of one’s home in order to enjoy a selection of their best. Choose from a number of gift packs that can be quickly delivered and surprise your Valentine with something extraordinary. These bubbles can’t help but beguile:
Melt My Heart: An enchanting blushing pink pairing from the legendary Angelina patisserie in Paris. Includes the latest vintage of Domaine Carneros’ beloved Brut Rosé with its luscious notes of freshly cut peaches, white cherries and a hint of pie crust. The perfect companion to this 2017 bottling is an elegant pink box holds a dozen dark chocolate truffles, dusted in cocoa, encasing luscious caramel with a hint of sea salt.
(Photo by Robert Bruno)
Can’t Hurry Love: This Late-Disgorged Brut Rosé captivates with a perfume of sun-kissed peach, baked strawberry and rose petal leading to a silken palate of peaches & cream and white cherry. It is paired with decadent Milk Chocolate Hazelnut Pralines from the famous Angelina patisserie and tearoom in Paris, nestled in a darling keepsake heart-shaped tin.
(Photo by Robert Bruno)
Bouquet de Rosé: Domaine Carneros’ three beautiful Brut Rosés can only be found together just once a year. This special offering includes one bottle each of: Winery-exclusive 2017 Brut Rosé: A favorite among Domaine Carneros fans, this wine expresses great balance while emphasizing fruity and floral characteristics. The latest vintage bounds with tangerine, blood orange, freshly cut peaches and a hint of pie crust. 2015 Late Disgorged Rosé: This Rosé is labeled as Late Disgorged because it is held back for an additional two years for a total of five years resting on the lees (aka “sur lie”). The additional two years of age rewards with unparalleled harmony and nuance, and a very round, rich mouthfeel. 2015 Le Reve Rosé: Presented in a gorgeous rose gold box, only 100 of these exceptional sets are available. This wine is composed of their best estate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay; its soft coral hue is derived from its brief contact with the Pinot Noir skins. The alluring nose brims with apricot, grapefruit, and hints of rose and ginger.
(Photo by Megan Steffan)