93 Points Tasting Panel
Woodsy and earthy with a seamless mouthfeel. Cocoa powder dusts the palate, interlaced with soil components, tobacco, and dark cherry. Finishes with spiced cedar.
 
91 Points James Suckling
Fragrant nose of cherries, smoke, dried strawberries and mocha. It’s spicy and fleshy, with a medium to full body and fine, toasty tannins.
 
Winemaker Notes
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). Schug ensures 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.