Schug Pinot Noir 2017, Carneros, California

2017 vintage: 29% Lund, 25% Sangiacomo, 23% Schug Estate, 17% Ricci, 3% Oak Cottage, 3% Domaine Carneros. Fermentation: : 6-8 days in stainless steel punch-down and rotary fermenters with cap immersion up to 3 times daily. Aging/Cooperage: 2 months in 800 gallon oak casks during malolactic fermentation and 9 months in medium-toast French oak barrels (20% new). 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, and will improve with additional cellaring for 2 to 5 years.