Private Property Blanc de Blancs Brut Santa Lucia Highlands 2021

Caraccioli Cellars has become known for its impressive and generous sparkling wines that stand up to plenty of Champagne greats in the same range – and we are always delighted to find Cali-bubbly producers that are serving up some high-quality sparklers! We were blown away when we first tasted this exceptionally full, precise, and complex Blanc de Blancs from their newer project, Private Property. The 2021 is hand-harvested into small totes to remove the potential of premature crushing and to prevent oxidation. The grapes are then crushed in a proper Coquard press (rarely seen outside of Champagne) that delicately separates the juice from the whole clusters of fruit, all without overly crushing the skins and seeds. From there, fermentation occurs in stainless steel tanks followed by aging in neutral French oak for about 5 months, and finally bottle-aging for another 29 months. A light resolutionary dosage of 4g/L promotes a vibrant and textural sipping experience, with a freshness that can’t be beat! 

Gary Caraccioli grew up working his family farm in the Salinas Valley, watching his Swiss-Italian grandfather lovingly craft his own homemade wine to share at family dinners. This imparted the belief that wine is part beverage, but also part experience to be shared with loved ones. He convinced his brother and uncle to expand the family’s farming roots and move into grape growing and winemaking in 2006, with his sights set on crafting wines unique to the Santa Lucia Highlands’ terroir. Partnering with Michel Salgues, a Frenchman who’d spent the majority of his career at Champagne’s Louis Roederer Estate, the winery was born with a devoted focus on low-intervention, high-quality winemaking and sustainable viticultural practices. Sadly, Michel Salgues passed away in 2017, yet his legacy lives on in the wildly impressive portfolios offered by the Caraccioli family – as well as the philosophies and practices carried on by Gary’s son, Scott, as well as winemakers Chris and Greg Vita. 

Bright notes and complex textures arrive in spades, offering up notes of lemon curd, Chinese white pear, yellow peach, croissant dough, white flowers, and some chalky and clay sensations that generate a crisp, mineral finish and exquisite layer of acidity. The 100% Chardonnay pours pale yellow in the glass, with a lovely and creamy mousse that softens some of the brighter flavor expressions. This is a pure, clean style of sparkling wine that proves itself in a world that has captured our attention for good! We loved it so much the last time that we re-upped to bring you even more. Our advice? Snag at least a few to go with your next celebration or favorite home-cooked meal!