another - how about a nice Le Rêve from Domain Carneros.. this one too is one where the setting plays into it. at the big, french-looking, chateau hillside winery, sitting on their patio, looking out over the vines, the place is hard to beat for USA wine tasting. here's the story on their Le Rêve ...
"...Our 1999 Le Rêve is the eighth in a highly distinguished line of Blanc de Blancs. Its predecessors have repeatedly been rated "the best Sparkling Wine in America" (rated 93 to 95 points). This current release is a great successor to these wines and exemplifies the best of our estate-grown chardonnay.
This 100% chardonnay sparkling wine is seductively luscious, with an elegant structure that is enhanced with layers of citrus, passion fruit and pineapple. Floral notes such as freesias and honeysuckle blend with the wine’s honey, toasty character. Creamy elements wind through the lingering silky finish and texture.
The blend of the 1998 Le Rêve is 100% chardonnay selected from six different estate-grown clones. It has been aged on the lees in the bottle for six years. The appellation is 100% Carneros, 100% from the 1999 vintage and 100% estate grown. It is drinking beautifully now but will continue to age and develop for many years...."