7 With this brut-style wine, Domaine Carneros competes against California’s most serious sparkling wine contenders. It is certainly the finest Le Reve ever, glamorous and provocative, massively flavored in lemon, lime and tangerine flavors, yet balanced and elegant, with the doughy tartness of Champagne. A great achievement. ——S.H.(6/1/2011)—— 95

A superb bubbly, almost entirely comprised of Chardonnay, with 2% Pinot Blanc. It’s super-sophisticated, with that elegantly dry, crisp, yeasty feeling associated only with the best sparkling wines. Shows its California origins in the ripe lemon, lime and strawberry flavors that flatter, then pull back into a closure of minerals and spice. A great wine, although the mousse could be finer.——S.H.(9/1/2010)—— 94

A delicious sparkler; shows the delicacy and elegance of a blanc de blancs at its California best. The Chardonnay contributes subtle peach and citrus flavors, and the mousse, or bubbly mouthfeel, is very refined. Should age well. Drink now–2009, at least.——S.H.(12/31/2007)—— 92

Almost 100% Chardonnay, this bubbly shows a gorgeous elegance and dry sophistication. It’s all taffeta and silk, so light and airy, so drinkable. With subtle hints of lime custard, bread dough, lees and vanilla, it’s one of the best blanc de blancs of this year. Drink now through 2010. ——S.H.(6/1/2007)—— 93