Schug Carneros Chardonnay 2021
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.
| Wine Enthusiast: 90 |
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| 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. |
| James Suckling: 90 |
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| 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. |
| Tasting Panel: 93 |
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| 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. |