Schug Pinot Noir 2023, Sonoma Coast, California

“Celebrating 40 years since our inaugural vintage, Schug Winery was born from Walter Schug’s passion for Pinot Noir, a journey that led him from Napa Valley’s pioneering days at Joseph Phelps Winery to the wind-swept hills of Sonoma’s Carneros region. Honoring our 100-year-old heritage and guided by winemaker Johannes Scheid, we continue to craft European-styled wines for a new chapter, inviting you to share our family’s legacy in every sip.” This 100% Pinot Noir cuvée reflects the cool and windy microclimate of the Sonoma Coast AVA. The climate and terroir here provide ideal conditions for low yields (equating to more flavor intensity) and longer hangtimes (allowing Pinot Noir grapes to reach maturity while retaining their natural acidity and preserving the bright flavors of red cherries and raspberries). We ensure the elegant expression in this Pinot Noir by aging in large neutral oak casks, stainless steel, and older French oak barrels to keep new oak flavors to a minimum. Lively acidity on the finish makes it an ideal accompaniment to grilled fish and fowl or barbecued meats. 100% Sonoma Coast. Fermentation: 10-14 days in punch-down fermenters, with cap immersion up to 3 times daily. Aging/Cooperage: Neutral oak casks, stainless steel, and neutral 60-gallon French oak barrels.