2017 Blanc de Noirs, Ram's Gate Estate

A truly special wine in the Ram’s Gate portfolio, the 2017 Blanc de Noirs is crafted exclusively from estate-grown Pinot Noir, planted in 1995 on the slopes of our Estate Vineyard. These mature, deeply rooted vines yield fruit of exceptional character—slow to ripen, yet full of flavor, even when harvested early at lower sugar levels.

The 2017 vintage was warm and early, with harvest beginning in August. Despite the heat, our Pinot Noir retained its hallmark freshness and bright acidity, a signature of the estate. In the summer of 2018, the wine entered tirage—undergoing its second fermentation in bottle—and has since aged gracefully on its lees for nearly six years. The resulting wine has beautifully integrated texture and depth, marrying creamy richness with vibrant energy.

On the nose, it opens with crisp red apple, lemon zest, and delicate white flowers. The palate is lively yet refined, with gentle, persistent bubbles, a lift of acidity, and that lovely yeasty complexity only extended tirage can bring.

A carefully measured dosage of just 0.4%, added in April 2024, gives the wine a touch of roundness while allowing its bright, mineral-driven finish to shine through.

Elegant, structured, and endlessly expressive, the 2017 Blanc de Noirs is a sparkling wine that speaks to both place and patience—a rare gem for those who appreciate nuance in every sip.