Winemaker’s Notes

This classic Carneros Chardonnay was grown primarily on the Schug Estate vineyard, with additional barrels from our grower-partners Ricci, Wildcat, and Iund Vineyards. It was fermented and aged on the lees (“sur-lie”) in small French oak barrels, with judicious new oak introduced. Malo-lactic 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.

“The Carneros Chardonnay offers subtle grapefruit, nectarines and fresh hay on the nose with a hint of lemon peel. Medium-bodied, it has a lovely silkiness to the texture and a good concentration of fresh, youthful citrus fruit, finishing with a savory yeastiness.”

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate