Exceptional Wine! - WineHeist.com
This week we are delighted to have secured another small allocation from the Heritage Reserve collection of wines from Schug Estate, one of the pioneers of the Carneros AVA. While Schug and others have shown that many grape varieties can succeed in Carneros, we always find that it is the Burgundian varieties, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, that perform best in this cool, foggy climate. And while Pinot tends to get a lot of attention, there really is something special about Carneros Chardonnay, particularly when grown in the vineyards to the Southwest of the town of Sonoma, where the Schug Estate is located. These Chardonnays seem to have a depth and an earthiness that is less common in other areas of California, and the 2007 Schug Heritage Reserve is a wonderful example of this.
The 2007 Schug Estate Heritage Reserve Chardonnay is a barrel selection representing the depth and complexity obtained by blending select clones from throughout the various microclimates of the Schug Estate vineyards. The result is a wonderful Chardonnay that beautifully shows the characters of both the California vineyards in which it was grown, and the Burgundian heritage of the varietal. Pale gold in color, the nose shows peach and citrus aromas, along with classic earthy and mushroom notes usually found in White Burgundy. The palate has pear, apple, straw, and a minerally, almost salty note. Layered and complex with good acid and plenty of body, this is a smooth, classy wine that does a wonderful job of straddling the line between Old and New World. This will please fans of California Chardonnay with its richness, but has plenty to offer for those who prefer French style Chardonnay as well. Don't miss this classic Chardonnay!
Appellation: 98% Carneros, 2% Sonoma Valley
Harvest Dates: September 6th through October 5th, 2007
Sugar at Harvest: 24.0 degrees Brix average
Fermentation: 100% barrel fermented and aged “sur lie” for an average of 7 months 15% of the blend underwent malo-lactic fermentation
Aging Cooperage: 41% in new French “Allier” oak barrels
Alcohol: 14.0% by volume
Acidity: TA = 0.75 g/100ml; pH = 3.34
Production: 413 cases (12 x 750ml); 4 cases (6 x 1.5 L)
Release Date: January 1st, 2009
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94 Points
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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.
94 Points
Deep garnet in color from the ripe 2018 vintage, with open aromas of lush fruit – plum, blackberry, and cherry, and notes of cedar, vanilla, and white pepper. Across the palate it's quite seamless and silky, rich and concentrated. The fruit flavors are bold and vibrant. Mouth-filling with smooth tannins, great texture and a long delicious finish.
96 Points
Ruby-plum core with a light purple rim in the glass, with aromas of dark cherry, plum, spicy cola and black tea waft from the glass. The palate delivers all of that and then some, adding layers of fig jam, white peppercorn and baking spice. Firm juicy tannins and balanced acidity round it out.
Rich & Luxurious!
Beautiful ruby color and opens with aromas of bright red plum and raspberry, cassis, and a touch of mint. The tannins are soft yet structured, and complemented by vibrant acidity, with hints of clove and baking spice from the oak aging. The wine ends with a long, smooth finish and lingering intensity encouraging you to enjoy another juicy sip.
95 Points
Lofty aromas of dark cherries, blackberries, and plum mingle with hints of baking spices and a touch of violet. The palate reveals luscious flavors of ripe berries, complemented by notes of black pepper and a subtle earthiness. With well-integrated tannins and a long lingering finish.
94 Points
Deep garnet-purple in color and strides confidently out of the glass with notes of crushed blueberries, ripe blackberry, and warm cassis with hints of cherry, black olive, currant and a touch of black pepper.
Gold Medal
Generously packed with exotic cassis, black cherry, cola and plum flavors knitted together in a creamy, velvety texture with nice layering, finishing with delightful notes of spice. Persistent, well-defined structure, wonderfully balanced.
Chewy & Ripe!
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91 Points
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91 Points
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94 Points
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93 Points
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92 Points
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Highly Recommended
Aromas of blackberry, rose hip, dried cranberries and hints of boysenberry followed by notes of violets and crushed spices. The palate opens with a dense and lush tannin structure supported by flavors of red berry fruit, and a long flavorful vanilla finish.
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