2018 Cartograph Blanc de noir

Blanc de Noir, which means “white from black,” is a sparkling white that’s made from “black” Pinot noir grapes. We left this wine on the lees for almost a full six years and disgorged it this past October. (Disgorging is the process of popping off the beer cap that sealed the bottle, getting rid of the dead yeast, topping up the bottle and re-sealing with a cork and cage.) It’s common while disgorging to add a bit of sweetness back in to balance out the acidity produced by these grapes, which are picked much earlier than those that go into still wines.

Toasty notes of brioche and graham cracker lift out of the glass accompanied by green apple, lemon curd, hazelnut and honey flavors. On the palate, it’s brilliantly mouthwatering, with more honey and lemon notes that linger for a long time on the finish. Even though it’s six years past harvest, this wine is still bright and lively—we expect it to last at least another 10 years and soften slowly with time. (12.1.25 - Alan)

Vineyard: Cartograph Estate

Grapes: 100% Pinot noir

Cases produced: 322 cases