Schug Merlot Sonoma Valley 2016 750 ML

This cooler microclimate provides the longer growing season necessary for Merlot to ripen slowly and develop maximum flavor, while retaining good acid balance. This Merlot has a spicy bouquet, deep color and exhibits full-bodied flavors of cherry, blackberry and spice.\n \n Producer Information\n Schug Carneros Estate is a winery in the celebrated AVA of Carneros in California. The winery is particularly noted for world-class Pinot Noir but also produces Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay. The estate sits on the Sonoma side of Carneros, which also stretches into Napa Valley. It was founded by Walter Schug who, during his time as winemaker at Joseph Phelps Vineyards, was responsible for producing California's first notable Bordeaux blend, Insignia. He was also the first to have a wine scored 99 points by Robert Parker. The decision by Joseph Phelps Vineyards in 1980 to stop producing Pinot Noir drove Schug to start making it under his own label. By 1990, Schug had founded the Schug Carneros Estate and by 1992, he was producing his own estate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.