91 Points - Wine & Spirits Magazine
Regular WineHeist fans are no doubt familiar with Schug Estate, founded in Carneros by Walter Schug over 30 years ago. While Carneros is probably best known for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, in the early days of this region, much of it was planted to Bordeaux varieties like Cabernet and Merlot. As the winemaker for Joseph Phelps in the 1970s, Walter Schug clearly knew his way around the grapes of Bordeaux. Since Carneros is cooler than Napa, the resulting Bordeaux style wines tend to be lighter bodied and more elegant, which perfectly suits the winemaking at Schug.
This classically structured Merlot is crafted in the Bordeaux style that Walter Schug pioneered in California while winemaster of Joseph Phelps Vineyards (1973 to 1983). This Merlot was grown on the Sangiacomo Vineyard in the Carneros district of southern Sonoma Valley. Judicious amounts of Cabernet, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Cab Franc were added from renowned Pickberry, Magnolia and Rancho Salina Vineyards which added richness and depth to this outstanding blend.
The 2013 Schug Sonoma Valley Merlot is deep in color with a hint of garnet. The nose shows cherry, plum, and blackberry aromas, accompanied by a hint of briar and spice. The palate is focused, with red and black fruit. Plenty of acidity carries through on the finish, where a subtle chocolate flavor is framed by a touch of new oak. Ideal food wine, perfect for grilled lamb or milder sausage. At under $25 a bottle, this is the perfect red wine to stock up on, as it will pair with a range of foods and has the elegance to drink well during the warmer months.
Appellation: Sonoma Valley
Blend: 79% Merlot; 10% Petit Verdot; 7% Malbec; 3% Cabernet Sauvignon; 1% Cabernet Franc
Vineyards: 73% Sangiacomo El Novillero; 17% Pickberry; 8% Rancho Salina; 2% Magnolia Farms
Harvest Dates: September 5th through October 10th, 2013
Sugar at Harvest: 24.4 degrees Brix average
Fermentation: 12 days in stainless steel tanks, punched down 2-4 times daily
Aging Cooperage: Aged 24 months in 20% new oak barrels: Hungarian and American oak barrels
Alcohol: 13.8% by volume
Acidity: 0.68 g/100ml; pH = 3.30
Release Date: January 1st, 2017
96 Points
Aromas of blackberry, black cherry, huckleberry, floral violet and savory spice. The palate is full and layered, with robust, age-worthy tannins and gorgeous flavors of dark berries, mocha and chocolate-covered cherries mingling with hints of graphite, fig and fine leather. Smooth tannins, firm structure and silky texture coat the palate on route to a long, generous finish.
97 Points
Aromas of blackberries, graphite, and crushed rock, along with cedar, tobacco leaf, cassis, and a medley of dry herbs and spice.
A substantial mouthfeel, full-bodied structure, firm tannins gracefully interweave, establishing a flawless equilibrium of acidity and pleasing fruit. Well-balanced acidity collaborate harmoniously to accentuate the intricate flavors of berry compote, spices, and oak nuances reminiscent of mocha.
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.
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.
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.
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