World Wine 2004 Schug Pinot Noir Carneros

Carneros, California Schug Pinot Noir is a classic Carneros region Pinot Noir offering a wide range of flavors and aromas in the tradition of the finest red Burgundies of France. Schug produces three unique Pinot Noir designations. The Carneros bottling is Schug’s flagship Pinot Noir, which exhibits the elegant characteristics of the Carneros region. "Clonal diversity" is achieved by carefully blending several separately vinified lots, each retaining its own clonal signature in the blend. Out tasting panel gave this red a 90 Consensus Panel rating. Schug Carneros Pinot Noir is a complex wine with deep garnet color and a rich bouquet of cherries, berries and a hint of spicy new oak. Flavors of bright cherry, currant and strawberry are followed by a spicy, smooth texture and elegant finish. The wine was aged for 2 months in oak casks during malolactic fermentation, then another 9 months in French oak barrels, 30% new. Schug Pinot Noir Carneros will pair nicely with lamb, duck, grilled salmon, and cheese