95 Wine Enthusiast

Top 100 Cellar Selections of 2012
"This four-county blend is a selection of what the winemakers consider their best lots of the vintage. Made from 86% Chardonnay and 14% Pinot Noir, it most certainly needs some time in the cellar, as it's scoury right now. But its richness is already apparent: it shows complex toast, leesy yeast, creme brulee, lemondrop sour candy and ripe pear flavors. A gorgeous sparkling wine that will benefit from at least 12 years of aging. -S.H."

94 Robert Parker - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

"The 2005 J. Schram is a blend of 86% Chardonnay and 14% Pinot Noir. Generally these wines are aged six years on their yeast prior to bottling. This wine, which comes from four different northern California counties (most from Napa), exhibits a light straw color along with crisp notes of pear, apple skin and brioche in a medium-bodied, complex yet delicate style with tiny pinpoint bubbles, persistent effervescence and a dry, crisp finish. This beautiful sparkling wine is intense yet delicate. It should drink well for 6-8 years."

"I was blown away by these three cuvees of sparkling wines from Schramsberg. I have been a longtime critic of most California sparkling wines, especially when compared to the finest Champagnes, but all three of these offerings opened my eyes and then some. They are three totally different cuvees made by this iconic producer in Napa Valley." (10/13)

92 Wine Spectator

"Bold and opulent, yet balanced with a core of crisp and minerally fruit. Aromas of lemon tart and almond brioche open to rich flavors of apple, cinnamon and candied ginger. Drink now through 2016. 1,448 cases made. -TF" (12/12)