Blanc de Noirs (white from black) is the counterpart to Blanc de Blancs (white from white). Made primarily from the red grape Pinot Noir, this is a complex, medium-bodied, brut sparkling wine. Schramsberg pioneered the Blanc de Noirs style in the United States, producing the first such American sparkler in 1967. The key to producing this complex Blanc de Noirs is our vast and varied focus on diverse cool-climate vineyards. Pinot Noir from Carneros and Anderson Valley combine with fruit from low-yielding Sonoma and Marin coastal vineyards to develop a sparkling wine with a breadth of fruitful aroma and flavor. Select Chardonnay lots give zest and backbone to the blend.

WINE SPECTATOR RATING: 90

WINE SPECTATOR REVIEW: The 2009 Blanc de Noirs has concentrated aromas of red apple, apricot and orange marmalade, which are complemented with tropical notes of guava, mango and passion fruit. The fruitful nose is completed with essences of candied ginger and Meyer lemon tart. Flavors of orange, cherry and raspberry are present, followed by nuances of peach-berry cobbler. The wine enters crisp and lingers on the palate, finishing with a balanced and mouthwatering acidity.