Winemaker Notes
This classic Carneros Chardonnay was grown primarily on the Schug Estate vineyard with additional barrels from the Wildcat Vineyard and Thornton Ranch. It was fermented and aged on the lees (sur-lie) in small French oak barrels, with judicious new oak introduced. Malolactic fermentation was not induced, allowing the wine to retain its natural acidity and varietal focus.
The result is a wine that is both rich and powerful, while refreshing and elegant on the finish. It has a ripe, spicy tropical bouquet with flavors that suggest citrus, pear, and spiced apples. Well-balanced acidity gives it a crisp, clean finish, making it an excellent wine with food. Try it with cream soups, rich seafood, fowl, veal, and pasta dishes.
Professional Ratings
-
Tasting Panel
Aged sur-lie for eight months in 20% French oak, the iconic flavor profile shows a world-class Chardonnay profile. Creamy and toasty, the richness is reined in by its bright acidity. Kiwi, pineapple, and gardenia effortlessly show a tropical character, with Key lime and vanilla on the finish.
-
James Suckling
Aromas of dried pineapple, spiced apple, lemon curd, flint and praline. It’s full-bodied with crisp acidity. Concentrated and flavorful.
-
Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: The 2019 Schug Carneros Chardonnay is firm and rewarding on the palate. TASTING NOTES: This wine exhibits aromas and flavors of dried apples and apricot. Serve it with grilled chicken thighs.
Schug Winery was founded in 1980 with unwavering dedication to Pinot Noir excellence—a specialization that spans 45 years and sets them apart from generalist wineries. Walter Schug, the legendary winemaker who created Joseph Phelps' iconic Insignia, established his legacy in Carneros, where low-intervention Old World winemaking meets California terroir.
Today, 5th-generation German winemaker Johannes Scheid continues this authentic heritage with wines that consistently score 90+ points across their entire portfolio. Johannes trained at Walter's alma mater in Germany, bringing multi-generational European winemaking expertise to their sustainable California practices.
What makes Schug exceptional is their genuine commitment to specialization and authenticity. While others spread their focus across multiple varietals, they've perfected their craft with nearly half a century devoted to exceptional Pinot Noir. This deep expertise, combined with their European winemaking tradition and compelling value proposition, has driven their national expansion and established Schug as a trusted name among wine enthusiasts who appreciate both heritage and quality.
One of the most popular and versatile white wine grapes, Chardonnay offers a wide range of flavors and styles depending on where it is grown and how it is made. While it tends to flourish in most environments, Chardonnay from its Burgundian homeland produces some of the most remarkable and longest lived examples. California produces both oaky, buttery styles and leaner, European-inspired wines. Somm Secret—The Burgundian subregion of Chablis, while typically using older oak barrels, produces a bright style similar to the unoaked style. Anyone who doesn't like oaky Chardonnay would likely enjoy Chablis.
Known for elegant wines that combine power and finesse, Carneros is set in the rolling hills that straddle the southernmost parts of both Sonoma and Napa counties. The cooling winds from the abutting San Pablo Bay, combined with lots of midday California sunshine, create an ideal environment for producing wines with a perfect balance of crisp acidity and well-ripened fruit.
This cooler pocket of California lends itself to growing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah. Carneros is an important source of sparkling wines made in the style of Champagne as well.