2016 J. Schram Blancs Magnum
95 points · Wine Spectator, December 2025
- 8years on the yeast
- 6.9g/L dosage · Brut
- 12.2%alcohol
- 47%barrel fermented
- 2,043cases made
About this wine
Our magnum size (1.5 L) of our 2016 J. Schram Blancs.
Originally released with the 1987 vintage our J. Schram, the 2013 vintage of this bottling was renamed J. Schram Blancs to denote this wines Chardonnay-based core. From the inception of Schramsberg's efforts in 1965, the winery has sought to achieve the greatest elegance and individuality possible in our sparkling wines. J. Schram Blancs epitomizes Schramsberg's philosophy to create a wine in which no effort has been spared and no care has been omitted. Representing only 2-3% of the winery's annual production, the Chardonnay-focused J. Schram Blancs blend is assembled from the very best base wine lots of the approximately 300 produced each year. This special bottling is dedicated to Schramsberg's founder, Jacob Schram, and has been a great success since its premier vintage was released in 1992.
Cluster samples from over 115 cool-climate vineyard sources are pulled several times before the optimal pick date for each block is selected. Complexity within the wine is gained through both oak barrel and stainless-steel tank fermentation. Additional layers are provided through small lots that undergo malolactic fermentation in barrel, enriching aromas and infusing creaminess on the palate. Our J. Schram Blancs is aged for eight years on the yeast in Schramsberg's historic Diamond Mountain caves; each bottle is then riddled by hand and finished with an exceptional brut dosage.
J. Schram Blancs is quite appealing on its own as an apéritif or enjoyed with fresh shellfish, caviar on toast point, smoked salmon, sharp cheeses, seafood brochettes, cedar-planked lobster, mesquite-grilled quail, or Serrano ham and porcini risotto.
The 2016 vintage was a near-perfect growing season with ideal weather condition throughout. Thanks to a relatively steady and mild July and August, and then a series of warm days at the end of the growing season, vineyards were able to progress to ideal ripeness for the light yields that were present.
Tasting notes
What the critics say
- 95points
Flamboyant and unapologetically California in style, this sparkler offers rich and succulent Asian pear and baked apple flavors accented with fresh brioche, yeasty nut roll and spice tones that lend a touch of opulence.
Wine Spectator, December 2025 - 95points
Theres a lovely vibrancy and freshness here, even though its heading into its tenth year, showing aromas of preserved lemons, yellow apples, seashells, jasmine, pastry cream and salted nuts. The palate has good energy and dense fruit, with bright acidity and a mouthwatering finish. A very generous and delicious sparkling wine.
James Suckling, February 2026
