Schug Carneros Estate

The Carneros Valley, which shoots off of Sonoma at an angle, is a beautiful, rugged terrain with a number of tiny wineries. Schug isn't tiny, and is located at the top of a steep ridge just off the highway. They distinguish their wines as "Sonoma Coast", which denotes little to no oak; and Carneros, meaning oaked.

The tasting room manager, David, told me that the white wines are vegan, the reds are not.

Schug Carneros Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2007
The complex nose of green pepper, asparagus and grapefruit is matched by the tart green apple mouthfeel, with more grapefruit on the finish. Yum.

Schug Carneros Estate Chardonnay 2006 Carneros
Peach and green apple aromas, and flavours of vanilla, butter, and summer fruit. It has a long toast finish.

Schug Carneros Estate Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2006
Just beautiful. Complex nose of sweet red fruit, black pepper, sweet spices and vanilla. The tastes are smoky, sour cherry and it has a long, medium tannic finish.

Schug Carneros Estate Pinot Noir Carneros 2006
Sweet cherry and alcohol aromas, with flavours of smoky cherry and light toast on the finish.

Schug Carneros Estate Merlot 2005
Blended with small amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, I liked this one a whole lot, too. The aromas are plummy, with some leather and red berries. And the tannins are smooth and well-rounded, with light cherry and plum, and a bit of raisin, flavours.

Schug Carneros Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Lots of ripe red fruit and cigar box aromas, it's slightly tart with some cigar box and sour cherry flavour. The high, smooth tannins are great.

Schug Carneros Estate Pinot Noir Carneros Heritage Reserve 2006
With light cherry and leather aromas, it has sour cherry and lots of tannins, with vanilla and toast on the finish.