93 Points - Pinot Report
The 2010 vintage marked the 30th Anniversary for Schug Vineyards, a remarkable achievement for a small, family run winery, and a testament to the quality of the wines. We have been fans of Schug wines for a while, as they offer a nice balance between New and Old World styles, with plenty of California fruit but lovely elegance as well. The 2010 Heritage Reserve is in this tradition, with a perfect balance between fruity and savory flavors.
The 2010 Schug Heritage Reserve Carneros Pinot Noir is light to medium ruby in color, with garnet at the rim. Aromas of cherry, briar, boysenberry, potpourri and pine needle stream from the glass, with spice, cherry, vanilla and raspberry joining in on the palate. Direct and focused, this charming wine carries a streak of acidity and some beautiful red fruit through a pleasantly soft finish.
This is drinking beautifully now, and will age gracefully for another 5-10 years.
VINEYARDS: 42% Iund; 32% Sangiacomo; 18% Estate; 3% Brown; 3% Cornerstone; 2% Vineburg
APPELLATION: 100% Carneros
HARVEST DATES: September 14th through October 14th, 2010
SUGAR AT HARVEST: 24.7 degrees Brix average
FERMENTATION: 7 to 12 days in stainless steel punch-down fermenter, with cap submersion at
6 to 24 hour intervals
AGING / COOPERAGE: 48% aged 16 months in new French oak barrels (Allier and Vosges), and
52% aged 16 months in one to two-year old French oak barrels
ALCOHOL: 14.5% by volume
ACIDITY: TA= 0.64 g/100ml; pH = 3.56
PRODUCTION: 726 cases (12 x 750 ml)
12 cases magnums (6 x 1.5L); 12 x 3 Liter bottles
RELEASE DATE: September 1st, 2013
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.
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.
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.
