Schug Carneros Pinot Noir

Wine information: Founded in 1980, Schug Carneros Estate Winery is the showcase and life-long dream of one of California's most celebrated winemakers. Walter Schug's reputation blossomed during his tenure as Founding Winemaker for Joseph Phelps Vineyards in the 1970s, where he made California’s first proprietary Bordeaux-Style blend (Insignia) and legendary vineyard designated Cabernets (Backus and Eisele Vineyards). Drawing on his long experience in the production of fine wines in both Europe and California, Walter set up his own winery with his wife Gertrud in the cool, marine climate of the Carneros Appellation Here he could focus on the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay varietals that had always been close to his heart. In 1995 Sonoma-born winemaker Michael Cox came on board at Schug. Trained in Enology at UC Davis, Mike worked in several Californian wineries before he was lured from Napa Valley to Carneros - Sonoma, to work with Walter Schug as his assistant winemaker. One year later he was promoted to Winemaker and placed in charge of the day-to-day winemaking duties, where he remains today. This classic Carneros region Pinot Noir offers a wide range of flavors and aromas, in the tradition of the finest red Burgundies of France. “Clonal diversity” is achieved by carefully blending several vineyard lots, each retaining its own unique clonal signature in the blend. The wine is aged for 2 months in 800 gallon oak casks (during malo-lactic fermentation) and then 9 months in 60 gallon French oak, medium toast barrels (30% new).

Tasting Notes: A complex wine with a rich bouquet of cherries, berries and hints of spicy new oak. It has flavors reminiscent of black cherry, currant and strawberry, followed by a rich, spicy texture and a long silky finish.

Food & Wine match: This wine pairs nicely with lamb, duck, even grilled fish, and will improve with additional cellaring for 2 to 5 years.

Reviews: "Medium ruby color; subtle spice and creamy black cherry aromas; ripe, black che rry and savory cranberry flavors with spice notes; some oak and tannins; good structure and balance; long fi nish. Spicy and rich, this Pinot has good, forward fruit; great for near-term consumption." 89 Points, Pinot Report

 
     

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