Nose

Fruitful, floral and sweet spice notes abound with dried mango, glazed pineapple and citrus meringue joining with honeysuckle, bread pudding and candied ginger.

Palate

The palate is ripe and viscous up front, unfolding with a delicious balance of sweetness, acidity and lingering tropical and citrus fruit flavors. Vibrant and succulent as a young sparkling wine, this is one that will also evolve beautifully for another 20 to 30 years in the bottle.

Growing Conditions

County Composition: 90% Napa, 6% Mendocino, 4% Sonoma

Harvest

Harvest Date(s): August 19–October 12

Bottling

Bottled: May 22–23, 2006

Winemaking

Crémant is French for “creamy” and traditionally refers to a wine with light effervescence. It has approximately two-thirds the pressure of the other sparkling wines and presents a creamier texture with more exotic flavors. After rigorous study, Jack and Jamie Davies chose a unique California grape named Flora (a cross of Sémillon and Gewürztraminer developed at UC Davis) to be the core component of this sparkling wine. Flora unites the fruit-forward character of Gewürztraminer with the strength, depth and minerality of Sémillon.

Aging

Aging on the yeast for two years prior to disgorgement adds complexity, yet the wine will retain its youthful appeal for 20 years or more.

Disgorged: February 11–15, 2008