Schug Carneros Pinot Noir 2018
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This classic Carneros region Pinot Noir offers a wide range of flavors and aromas, in the tradition of the finest red Burgundies of France. “Clonal diversity” is achieved by carefully blending several vineyard lots, each retaining its own unique clonal signature in the blend. The result is a complex wine with a rich bouquet of cherries, berries and hints of spicy new oak. It has flavors reminiscent of black cherry, currant and strawberry, followed by a rich, spicy texture and a long silky finish.
This wine pairs nicely with lamb, duck, even grilled fish.
Professional Ratings
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Tasting Panel
Defined by spiced cedar and a rapture of cinnamon-kissed cherry, this delicate Pinot Noir offers just a touch of earth as well as freshness imparted by an energetic acid structure.
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James Suckling
Dried strawberries with bark and fresh-mushroom undertones. Black-tea notes, too. Full-bodied, yet tightly wound with firm tannins that frame the wine nicely. Soft, creamy tannins. Drink or hold.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: The 2018 Schug Carneros Pinot Noir is attractive, focused, and persistent. TASTING NOTES: This wine deftly combines vivid red fruit, savory spices, and hints of oak aroma and flavors. Pair it with grilled mint-accented lamb chops. (Tasted: November 22, 2020, San Francisco, CA)
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Wine Spectator
Vibrant cherry, plum and currant flavors are supported by fine-grained tannins. Hints of hot stone emerge midpalate, leading to a finish that lingers with cedar and spice accents and zesty minerality. Drink now through 2023.
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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.