Winemaker Notes
This Chardonnay features grapes sourced primarily from the Ricci Vineyard and their Estate vineyard, with additional barrels from the Wildcat Mountain and Sangiacomo vineyards that underwent traditional European winemaking practices. Each lot was fermented separately and aged on the lees (“sur-lie”) in small French Oak barrels, with judicious new oak introduced. The resulting wine showcases intense aromas of lemon, white flowers, and nectarine. On the palate, the texture is rich in tropical and stone fruit flavors and a light minerality leading to a refreshing and mouthwatering finish. 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
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Tasting Panel
Sourced from four vineyards (including the Schug’s Estate vineyard), each lot was fermented separately and aged sur lie in small French oak barrels. Bolstered by toasty cedar and a keen acidity, this balanced white presents notes of orange peel, vanilla wafers, and white flowers. Dynamic and creamy on the mouth.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: The 2021 Schug Carneros Chardonnay is at once rich and elegant. TASTING NOTES: This wine shines with aromas and flavors of ripe apples, fragrant and savory spices, and dried earthy notes. Serve it with steamed black cod in a light ginger sauce. (Tasted: November 24, 2022, San Francisco, CA)
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James Suckling
Aromas of sliced apples and white peaches with raw almond and nougat undertones. Medium- to full-bodied with toned acidity and quite a ripe fruit character with savory notes. More rich and mellow style with a flavorful finish.
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Wine Enthusiast
Delicious pear and apple flavors are lightly accented by vanilla in this generous, well-balanced wine that was aged on the lees for eight months. A full body, smooth texture and well-concentrated fruit flavors make it a pleasure to sip.
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.