Elegant, Balanced, Lush & Smooth...
Schug Estate, one of the oldest estate programs in Carneros, is a pioneer in the region, and one of the few wineries in the area that still produces Bordeaux varietals in this cooler climate. While the result may not be the huge, jammy fruit-bombs that garner big scores from the critics, instead the focus is on elegance and balance, with the resulting wines pairing much more easily with food, and allowing the varietal character of the grapes to shine through. The 2006 Heritage Reserve Merlot is an example of just such a wine.
The nose shows black cherry, cocoa, and dried herb. The palate echoes the black cherry on the nose, joined by cassis, plum, and tealeaf. This medium bodied red is lush and smooth, yet remains bright thanks to good acidity. The finish is persistent, resonating on the palate with chocolate-covered cherry flavors. A small amount of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cab Franc, and Malbec are included in the final blend, adding an extra degree of complexity. The Bordeaux style red is perfect for red meat dishes prepared with a lighter touch that might be overpowered by a big, brash California Cab.
Blend:
91% Merlot (Sangiacomo, Ricci, and Rancho Salina Vineyards)
3% Cabernet Franc (Rancho Salina Vineyards)
5% Cabernet Sauvignon (Rancho Salina and Atwood Vineyards)
1% Malbec (Rancho Salina Vineyards)
Appellation: 86% Carneros; 14% Sonoma Valley
Harvest Dates: September 28th through October 25th, 2006
Sugar at Harvest: 24.4 degrees Brix average
Fermentation: 12- 14 days in stainless steel tanks, punched down three times daily
Aging Cooperage: 22% aged in new French oak barrels 6% aged in new American oak barrels 72% aged in 1 to 4 year old French and American oak barrels
Alcohol: 13.5% by volume
Acidity: TA = 0.59 g/100ml; pH = 3.49
Production: 447 cases (12 x 750ml); 8 cases (6 x 1.5L); 6 x 3L
Release Date: April 1, 2010
Gold Medal
Generously packed with black cherry, cola, cassis, and plum that all intermingle together in a creamy, velvety texture with great layering, finishing with delightful notes of oak and spice. Persistent, well-defined structure, wonderfully balanced.
97 Points
Aromas of blackberries, graphite, and crushed rock, along with cedar, tobacco leaf, cassis, and a medley of dry herbs and spice.
A substantial mouthfeel, full-bodied structure, firm tannins gracefully interweave, establishing a flawless equilibrium of acidity and pleasing fruit. Well-balanced acidity collaborate harmoniously to accentuate the intricate flavors of berry compote, spices, and oak nuances reminiscent of mocha.
95 Points
This stellar Napa Valley Red Blend marries lush plum and cherry with Malbec's dark berry depth and Petit Verdot's structure and spice. Layered with notes of blackberry, violet, and cocoa, this silky wine finishes with smooth tannins and a whisper of toasted oak. Robust and mouth-filling, with spicy nuances, smooth tannins, firm structure, and a long lingering finish.
97 Points
Lush and fleshy, with cassis, boysenberry, and blackberry notes guided by hints of alder and mesquite. Stays open but defined through the finish, with a buried hint of sweet tobacco. A rich, layered beast, this has a nose rife with currants, blackberries, vanilla, and light toast with flavors of mocha, plum, and Bing cherry that mingle harmoniously on the tongue.
97 Points
Rich dark fruit flavors of blackberry and cherry with notes of baking spices, licorice, coffee, and chocolate that interlace seamlessly with complexity, creating a wine that is both structured and delightfully supple, achieving an ideal balance of tension and grace. Artfully composed of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon with 17% Cabernet Franc, resulting in harmonious depth and freshness.
98 Points
Deep purple hue and an alluring aromatic profile of fresh blue fruits and delicate violets. On the palate, it delivers a seamless and layered texture, framed by supple, polished tannins and a refined sense of balance. Elegantly structured, it offers remarkable purity and finesse, finishing with graceful length and poise.
Gold Medal
Light pink in color with aromas of watermelon, cranberry, orange rind, and fresh spring flowers that leap from the glass. The palate offers more peach, strawberry, and melon, with an intriguing note of rose and hibiscus. It's crisp with just the perfect hint of red fruit, and delicate whisper of strawberry that gives goosebumps.
92 Points
Lofty aromas of ripe red fruits layered with notes of crushed violets, berry cobbler, cherry and creme brulee leading into crushed blackberry with cassis, mocha, leather, mineral, and baking spice. Its all encompassing and bold mouthfeel are outstanding, as deep tannins dance around the palate, finishing with flavors of blackberry, fig, and pipe tobacco.
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