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
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.
90 Points
Rich and voluptuous with ripe raspberry, cherry, and plum, layered with hints of lavender, fig compote, and exotic spice. Concentrated and complex, the palate is a balanced interplay cocoa, and a hint of espresso, creating both richness and intrigue. Vibrant acidity and silky tannins that contribute heft and length that coat the palate with luscious ripeness that keeps on giving.
94 Points
A classic expression of coastal influenced Chardonnay with aromas of honey, apple chutney, lime blossom, and gentle Indian spice box undertones. A big juicy entry on the palate, showing a silky texture with excellent tension and structure, ending with a complex, layered finish.
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.
PDF