Winemaker’s Notes

The Schug Estate vineyard, planted in 1989, sits at the base of a high ridge at the windy Western edge of the Carneros AVA in Sonoma County. This bottling highlights several clones of Chardonnay grown on individual blocks. The Wente selections grown on the loamy soil of Blocks 3 and 5 have smaller berries which give the wine a rich texture when young, and in time develop an oily, succulent mouthfeel. Both Blocks 1 and 2 are heavier soils and offer wines of a more robust character. The final blend offers intense fruit aromas of ripe pear and orange liqueur, complemented by a layer of toasty oak. Bright apple and citrus flavors give way to full-bodied texture and a long finish. Try with shellfish, cream soups, chicken, veal, or rich pasta dishes. It will gain complexity with additional cellaring for several years after release.

“The 2018 Chardonnay Estate has an open-knit nose of quince, apples and pears with honey-nut nuances. The palate is light to medium-bodied with a good concentration of savory flavors, well-woven freshness and a long finish.”

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate