2018 Caraccioli Cellars Santa Lucia Highlands Brut Cuvee [V94][WE92]

Producer: Caraccioli 
Region: Santa Lucia Highlands, Central Coast, California
Blend: 60% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir 
Year: 2018 

Vinous, 94 Points 

"The 2018 Brut Cuvee, a blend of 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir from the estate vineyard (Escolle), is a decidedly rich, energetic, powerful sparkling wine that feels more Champagne than Santa Lucia Highlands, and I mean that in a good way.  Bright salted lemon, baked apple, chalk, sea spray and spice tones run through this beguiling, enticing sparkling wine that was clearly made with a delicate hand.  Tension and minerality are here in spades to balance all that richness.  This is an excellent and distinctive example of the potential of sparkling wine in the Santa Lucia Highlands.  Dosage is 4 grams per liter." 

Wine Enthusiast, 92 Points 

"Clean and crisp aromas of nectarine, lemon peel, apple blossom and Asian pear are pleasant while distinctive on the nose of this bottling. It lands smoothly on the palate, where taut lemon-peel flavors ride a steely structure."  

Alcohol: 12% 

Price and availability in store may vary. Vintage date may differ from pictured.