Schug Carneros Estate Grown Pinot Noir 2017
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Robert
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The Schug Estate vineyard sits at the base of a high ridge on the windy western edge of the Carneros AVA in Sonoma County. This bottling highlights several clones of Pinot Noir grown on individual blocks, each vinified and aged separately. The weighty meatiness and smokiness of the Pommard clones in Block 8 (planted in 1989) and Block 9 (2003) is enhanced by the fruity exuberance of the Dijon clones in Block 10 (1997). Block 4’s (1994) Martini clone rounds out the wine with a touch of soft ripe fruit. Strong afternoon winds affect these sites, resulting in small berries and slower ripening with great concentration of aroma and flavor. A bouquet reminiscent of roses, ripe cherries and a meaty smokiness lead to savory flavors of black cherry and plum, finishing with hints of tobacco and spicy new oak. This wine is perfect for the collector’s cellar, and will continue to age gracefully for a decade or more.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2016 Pinot Noir Estate opens with herbal hints over wild blackberries, baked red berries, Earl Grey tea leaves, dust and woodsmoke aromas. It's medium-bodied with good fruit and spice layers, refreshing acidity and an easy-drinking finish.
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Wine Enthusiast
Brooding in black cherry, cranberry and currant, this is a selection of certain blocks planted to a variety of clones. Herbaceous earth, toasted oak and supple tannin round out the experience of elegance and length.
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James
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Wilfred
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Founded in 1980, Schug Carneros Estate Winery is the showcase and life-long dream of one of California's most celebrated winemakers. Walter Schug's reputation blossomed during his tenure as Founding Winemaker for Joseph Phelps Vineyards in the 1970s, where he made California’s first proprietary Bordeaux-Style blend (Insignia) and legendary vineyard designated Cabernets (Backus and Eisele Vineyards).
Drawing on his long experience in the production of fine wines in both Europe and California, Walter set up his own winery with his wife Gertrud in the cool, marine climate of the Carneros Appellation. Here he could focus on the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay varietals that had always been close to his heart.
Schug Carneros Estate Winery combines old world understanding and tradition with modern winemaking techniques. By using only the finest grapes available, and maintaining the best winemaking values, these wines have gained acceptance worldwide as true contemporary classics.
As early as the 1970s Carneros became known as a source of terrific Pinot Noir, and was one of the first California regions to gain such a reputation. The combination of sunny days, cooling fog and thin clay soils are tailor-made for the variety. Another factor in Pinot Noir’s prominent place here is vintners’ willingness to experiment widely. The history of the grape in Carneros is marked by continuous research into clonal variations, viticultural techniques and site selection. Careful evaluation over time has revealed a signature flavor profile as well. Complex aromas and flavors of cherry, red berry, spice, earth and cola appear time and again in Carneros Pinot Noir. To this day the appellation remains one of California’s standard bearers for the variety.