The Hedonistic Taster | Schug Winery 2013 Pinot Noir, Carneros ‘Schug Estate’

The Hedonistic Taster | № 11

by L.M. Archer, FWS | Bourgogne ML

“Wine should not be regarded simply as a beverage, but as an art of living, a pleasure.” – Henri Jayer

Welcome to The Hedonistic Taster, a binNotes | redThread™ trade sampling of artisan wines.

The title derives from the term ‘hedonistic tasting,’ coined by legendary Burgundian vigneron Henri Jayer.

The Hedonistic Taster allows me the opportunity to introduce you to some gorgeous pours through this intimate tasting format.

Santé!

Today’s Tasting:

Schug Winery | 2013 Pinot Noir, Carneros ‘Schug Estate’

Enjoy my exclusive interview with Axel Schug and Michael Cox here.

Wine: Pinot Noir, Carneros ‘Schug Estate’

Vintage: 2013

Alcohol: 13.7%

Suggested Retail: $45

Specs

Vineyards (clones): 100% Schug Estate: 50% Block 8 (Pommard 4); 18% Block 9 (Pommard 5); 16% Blocks C,P (Dijon 667); 14% Block 10 (Dijon 115); 1% Block 6 (Swan A); Block 4 (Martini 13).

Harvest Dates: August 26th – September 16th 2013

Sugar at Harvest: 24.5 degrees Brix average.

Fermentation: Nine (9) days in stainless steel punch-down fermenter, with cap submersion at 6-24 hour intervals.

Aging/Cooperage: Aged 16 months in 35% new and 65% in 1-3 year old French oak barrels.

Production: 467 cases.

Release Date: January 1, 2016.

TASTING NOTES:

Robe: Pristine dark garnet robe.

Nose: Eau de rose, tart red fruit, rhubard on the nose.

Palate: Bright brambleberry bouche; lightly bodied, well-poised pour.

Suggested Pairings: Pairs well with your wine cellar. Do the math: Only 467 cases of this jewel in the crown of Carneros ‘Schug Estate. A secret treasure for any Burgundy lover who appreciates shockingly affordable, complex, elegant, age-worthy Premier Cru-caliber Pinot Noir.

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