Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/97133
The Reveals Here���s what they sampled. The notes are based on the panel���s blind tasting. WINE NUMBER ONE Balanced from One Hand to Another SCHUG 2008 Heritage Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma Valley ($50) 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 7% Malbec and 2% Cabernet Franc lthough Schug Carneros Estate Winery is primarily a Pinot Noir producer, Winemaster Walter Schug made some of California���s most memorable Cabernet Sauvignons and Bordeaux blends when he was winemaker at Joseph Phelps vineyards from 1973 to 1982. ���This is a throwback to what dad did back in the ���70s,��� says Axel Schug, Managing Partner and presenter at our event. From the eastern side of Sonoma Valley, on the benchland of Moon Mountain, not far from the famous Monte Rosso Vineyards, is Rancho Salina Vineyards, where the majority of grapes are sourced. The Schug Heritage Reserve collection is blended from the best barrels of each vintage, produced in small lots. A Our Panel���s Notes: ���Lots oak spice on the nose: vanilla, cedar, chocolate and clove; deep and inviting, but smells very sweet, like raspberry pie illing. The palate is balanced; the weight of the wine works well with the wine���s high intensity, full body and oak presence.��� ���Chris Baggetta ���This lovely wine shows a complete aromatic proile: pretty perfume of red fruit, dried lowers and sandalwood. A sweet and full mid-palate is framed by attractive tannins and balance of alcohol and acid . . . long and lingering with cedar and spice.��� ���Jesse Becker Schug Carneros Estate Winery Managing Partner Axel Schug. WINE NUMBER TWO Balance of Tradition and History MIRASSOU 2011 Sunset Red ($12.99) 51% Pinot Noir, with the addition of Zinfandel and Merlot ack in my grandfather���s day, we made a 'burgundy,' which was actually a blend of Pinot Noir [Mirassou was the irst to bring Pinot Noir from Burgundy to the U.S.], Zinfandel and maybe Petite Sirah,��� explains David Mirassou, sixth generation of America���s oldest wine family. ���The Mirassou Sunset Red Blend is a nod to the family���s heritage, with a twist and turn of varietals that appeals to a new generation of wine drinkers.��� Most of the grapes were selected from Lodi, its warm days tempered by cool breezes from the Sacramento River Delta. The lower alcohol (13.5%) shows off an easy-drinking, juicy character. ���B Our Panel���s Notes: ���I picked up the Pinot notes and the distinctive candied red fruits, its freshness and brightness on the palate. It���s light . . . and delicious.��� ���Haley Moore ���Clear and bright, with ripe red cherry, pomegranate and raspberry. Floral, light weight and a balanced use of oak.��� ���Nichole Dishman 102 / the tasting panel / december 2012 David Mirassou.