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
95 Points
Rich and full-bodied, packed with dark fruit flavors of blackberry, ripe plum, and dark cherry. Notes of cocoa, cedar, and warm spice add complexity, while firm tannins and a touch of volcanic minerality reflect the bold characteristics of Calistoga’s terroir. Full-bodied in texture, and remarkably velvety. The tannins gracefully interweave, establishing a flawless equilibrium of acidity and pleasing fruit.
92 Points
Deep floral notes (violets), blackberry, black cherry, and cassis. Driven by the mountain's steep, cool-climate terroir, it balances rich notes of blackberry and pomegranate seamlessly intertwined with dark plum, cocoa dust, and roasted mocha, hints of roasted mocha and spice undertones add depth to its complex profile, culminating in a bold, yet elegant finish.
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.
