A little touristy, but in my opinion, Domaine Carneros is one of the more beautiful Vineyard Estates in Napa Valley. The chateau is a close replica of their flagship property in Champagne, France. The sweeping view from the top of the chateau, manicure bushes and table service inside or on the patio.




The $15 sparkling wine sampler is their most popular tasting, current vintages - 2 oz each of 2005 Vintage Brut Cuvée, 2005 Brut Rosé (Oprah's favorite *start the famous screaming*) and 2005 Vermeil Demi-Sec. Our server was attentive, courteous, spoke fondly of the sparkling wine and adoringly sniffed each bottle before pouring.



We decided to spring for some decadence and took advantage of the caviar special introductory price - Black River Ossetra Malossol Caviar, 30 grams for $75 (regular $100.) The caviar was velvety, rich, nutty and luxurious between my lips and the mother of pearl spoon. I found it tasted better alone without the toast points or crème fraiche; and oddly, the whitefish caviar faired better with all the condiments.




Our server was kind enough to bring us a small glass of the 2003 Le Rêve to pair with the Black River caviar.




The Black River caviar whetted our appetite for more, we ordered the $25 more wallet friendly and 2 oz generously portion Tsar Nicoulai truffled whitefish caviar. The caviar had a faith smell of truffles with loose free flowing eggs bouncing in my mouth.

Napa Valley is gloomy and cold in January so the patio was closed, we enjoyed the roaring fireplace and pictures of ravishing iconic women such as Elizabeth Taylor and Sophie Lauren. Bill Clinton served Domaine Carneros at one of his splendid soirées. A great place for "ladies who lunch" which I'm not nor ever have enough grace but it doesn't hurt to imagine.



Domaine Carneros
1240 Duhig Rd
Napa, CA 94559
(707) 257-0101