Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs Sparkling Wine 2005 Reviewed

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Wine writer Randy Fuller recently opened a bottle of 2005 Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs sparkling wine to celebrate a wedding anniversary. The 100% Chardonnay wine was produced in the traditional Methode Champenoise style with some barrel fermentation, resulting in a pale gold color, nutty and mineral-driven nose, and a dry, citrusy palate that grew on Fuller over the course of a few glasses.

Why it matters

Schramsberg is one of California's pioneering sparkling wine producers, known for making high-quality traditional method sparkling wines from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes grown in Napa and Sonoma. This review provides insight into the house style and quality level of one of Schramsberg's flagship Blanc de Blancs bottlings.

The details

The 2005 Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs is a 100% Chardonnay sparkling wine produced in the traditional Champagne method, including secondary fermentation in the bottle. The wine was also aged in oak barrels, contributing to its nutty, mineral-driven aromas and flavors. On the palate, the wine showed strong citrus zest notes along with some tropical fruit character, resulting in a dry, crisp profile that took a few glasses for the reviewer to fully appreciate.

• The wine was purchased and cellared by the reviewer for an unspecified number of years prior to being opened in 2026 to celebrate a wedding anniversary.

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