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
All Wines
95 Points, Double Gold
Deep ruby in color this wine is bountiful, juicy and structured. Blueberry, black cherry and wild blackberry, framed by notes of sweet licorice, violets, sage and bay leaf. Impeccably balanced with fine dusty tannins hint at a long life ahead in the cellar.
90 Points
Inviting aromas of cherry, raspberry, and blackberry intermixed with hints of cranberry and blood orange. Graceful and soft on the front palate, the flavors of mixed red berries and the lively tannins add luscious texture. Its long finish reveals spicy undertones and a superb freshness.
91 Points
Layers of strawberry, baked cherry pie, anise, cherry lollipop, wild game, and spicebox. On the palate, black cherry jam couples with crème de cassis, mixed berry crisp, rhubarb, and a touch of vanilla.
95 Points
Lofty aromas of ripe dark fruits, wild berries, roasted fig, English Toffee, savory spices, and roasted walnuts. On the palate, the deep flavors of dark cherry, ripe plum, black raspberry and pomegranate are layered with notes of wild sage, clove, nutmeg, and bittersweet chocolate. Robust and mouth-filling, with spicy nuances, smooth tannins, firm structure, and a long lingering finish.
Gold Medal
Aromas of white peach, melon, and orange blossom complemented by bright citrus and lemon zest. Notes of kiwi, pineapple, lemon, mango and papaya introduce a rich palate and a persistent mineral finish.
Big & Jammy!
Aromas and robust flavors of dark cherry, blackberries, mocha, espresso and hints of black pepper. Incredibly balanced with a smooth mouthfeel and body against a backdrop of structured tannins. The wine unfolds with notes of clove and dried herbs, ending with a long rich finish.
95 Points
Opens with wild cherry cordial and fresh pomegranate layered with notes of baking spice and zest. Subtle touches of pink peppercorn lemon balm and sarsparilla carry through a savory palate. It's balanced, with silky layers and a juicy red core.
92 Points
A powerful expression of Cabernet Sauvignon. On the nose, it's enticing and fragrant, bursting with fresh blueberries, blackberry tart, cedar, black olives, and hints of spicebox. Its palate provides big, round chewy tannins, sweet ripe black cherries, blackberry cordial, Bourbon-soaked maraschino cherries, maple roasted walnuts, and a touch of vanilla.
92 Points
Aromas of black cherry jam, boysenberry, raspberry, interlace with hints of baking spice, espresso bean, and toasted nut. On the palate ripe and juicy flavors of dark cherry, huckleberry and raspberry are perfectly integrated with notes of spice, dark chocolate, and a kiss of American oak.
Big, Bold & Juicy!
Bountiful, lavish and plush with aromas of plum, bramble berry, mocha, cedar, and red currant. Loaded with dark fruit, the mouth is full with a mix of red and dark berry, with notes of dark on the end. There is a touch of espresso, ripe black cherry, and petrichor. Nicely framed by generous French oak.
95 Points
Aromas of wild berry, ripe fig underpinned with hints of licorice, dark chocolate, savory spice, and cigar box. The palate is robust, youthful and bursting with natural energy. Flavors continue to expand vibrant dark cherry, blackberry, fresh currant, ripe plum, with hints of cassis, sage, mocha, cinnamon, and fine French oak.
93 Points
Rich dark black fruits, blueberries, blackberry bon bons, cassis, fragrant violets, tobacco leaf, and baking spices. Long, plush tannins alongside its dense fruit character. The palate delivers baked berry crisp, black and red fruits, toasted walnuts, brioche and cedar on the finish.
92 Points
Depth, balance and big flavors. The nose evokes black cherry pie, licorice, plums, vanilla, and notes of chocolate. On the palate, it bursts with cassis, red currants, toasted walnuts, and chocolate. This wine has great texture that ultimately finishes with round, silky smooth tannins.
97 Points, Double Gold
Pure, delicious, vibrant with aromas of white peach and wild white plum on the nose, followed by ripe Persian lime, jasmine high times, tart green apple, and crisp star fruit. The mouth centers in with pomelo and ginger lime leading into a mid-palate of fresh squeezed lime over papaya and lime zest on top of light lemon curd.
Fresh, Bright & Crisp...
Aromas of watermelon, cranberry, orange rind, and fresh spring flowers that leap from the glass. The palate offers peach, strawberry, and melon, with an intriguing note of fresh herb and pomegranate. Though packed with fruit, this Rosé finishes dry, with a nice balanced finish.