Meet Paula Kornell on Sparkling Tasting

10% disc. on Tasting wine purchase

Oct 22nd in 4 sessions

6-6.30pm/ 6.30-7pm/ 7-7.30pm/ 7.30-8pm

Tasting Fee $10 Non-Member

Free to Premium Member+1

Free to Regular Member ONLY

Wines we will taste with Paula Kornell ..

Come and meet Paula Kornell

Raised in the Napa Valley in the wine industry, having lived and breathed this premier wine region all her life, Paula Kornell has long understood what it takes to make fine wines from a sense of place. And as one of California’s leading women in wine, she has also always understood the importance of enjoying wine at the table with family and friends.

Paula’s familial legacy and love of bringing people together are what led her to launch Paula Kornell Sparkling Wine with the release of a California Brut in 2020 and Napa Valley Blanc de Noirs in 2019, both of which have earned high critical scores and reviews. Paula was ahead of her time in sensing the American consumer’s thirst for high-quality bubbles; sparkling wine remains one of the top growth categories in wine.

Paula’s father, Hanns Kornell, helped pioneer Méthode Champenoise winemaking in the Napa Valley and her wines honor that history. Paula is now the fourth generation of her family to become a sparkling wine producer.

2021 napa valley blanc de blancs

Tasting Notes

In the glass, the wine presents a brilliant, pale straw color with subtle golden reflections. A steady stream of fine, persistent bubbles rise elegantly through the glass, creating a delicate and refined mousse.

On the nose, the bouquet is elegant and complex, opening with lifted aromas of honeysuckle blossom, citrus zest, and fresh-cut hay. Layers of acacia flower, Asian pear, and white peach emerge with time in the glass, accompanied by subtle notes of almond pastry and toasted brioche. A delicate chalk-like minerality provides precision and depth, reflecting the wine's extended maturation on the lees.

On the palate, the wine is both precise and generous, delivering a beautiful balance of vibrant acidity and creamy texture. Flavors of candied citrus, Meyer lemon, ripe pear, and white peach unfold across a finely textured frame. These bright fruit notes are layered with nuances of almond croissant, toasted brioche, and a touch of honeycomb, adding complexity without sacrificing freshness. The delicate mousse and fine bead carry the wine to a long, polished finish marked by elegance, energy, and remarkable purity.

2021 napa valley blanc de noirs

Tasting Notes

In the glass, the wine presents a pale rose gold color with subtle copper reflections. A steady stream of fine, persistent bubbles rises elegantly through the glass, creating a polished and refined mousse.

On the nose, the bouquet is layered and expressive, opening with aromas of orchard fruit, white cherry, and nectarine. With time in the glass, notes of almond croissant, baked pastry, and subtle spice emerge from the wine’s extended maturation on the lees. A gentle mineral thread runs through the bouquet, adding precision, depth, and balance.

On the palate, the wine is precise and focused, with flavors of red apple, kiwi, and white peach unfolding across a finely textured frame. Subtle notes of almond cream and freshly baked brioche add richness and complexity, while the fine mousse provides texture and lift. Bright acidity and a delicate mineral character carry the wine to a long, persistent finish marked by freshness, balance, and elegance.

california brut MÉTHODE CHAMPENOISE

Tasting Notes

This perfect introduction to Paula Kornell’s sparkling wines has all the elegance, refinement, and freshness that one would expect from the best bubbles. Its racy acidity makes the wine lively and refreshing, while the small amount of residual sugar gives the wine weight and depth alongside the aromas of lemon pith, fresh peaches, just-ripe apricots, toast, acacia, and honeysuckle. Ideal for a Sunday afternoon in the garden, a weekend picnic, or at the beginning of a meal, this approachable and highly drinkable wine will satisfy all tastes.

california brut RosÉ MÉTHODE CHAMPENOISE

Tasting Notes

In the glass, the wine shows a salmon pink hue with delicate and persistent stream of bubbles forming a vibrant and creamy mousse.

The bouquet is open and expressive, offering aromas of wild strawberries, raspberries, and ripe watermelon. These fresh red fruit notes are complemented by hints of nettle, wet slate and a delicate touch of white peach.

On the palate, this sparkling rosé is vibrant and refreshing, with a lively acidity that drives its energy. Juicy flavors of red currants, cranberries, and pomegranate are balanced by a hint of tart cherry. A creamy texture from its fine bead and lees aging adds sophistication. The mid-palate shows a gentle balance between its lively acidity and red fruit profile, finishing with a crisp, dry edge that highlights its elegance and sophistication.

The finish is clean, lingering, and mouthwatering, with flavors of red berry compote, citrus zest, and a subtle touch of toasted hazelnuts that leave a refined impression.

At Ride & Ridden, we produce appellation-driven wines that consistently transcend the expectations of their price points. We are able to do this thanks to our unique access to a rarefied tier of wine growing partners. We make wine honestly, source the best wines we can find, and employ a minimalist approach to growing, blending, and bottling. We touch every price point, creating wines of precision, power, elegance, and zero pretentiousness.

2022 Ride & Ridden Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Both dense and flecked with acidity, the wine shows equal parts power and grace with notes of blackberry fruit, sage, black olive and shaved cocoa. The mouthfeel has a decadent richness and texture with a long finish.

ABV: 15.5%

2022 Ride & Ridden Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon

Inky-blue with bright aromas of black cherry, eucalyptus, toasted cedar, espresso and leather, this wine explodes on the palette with ripe blue/black fruits, candied violets and sweet, round tannins.