Description
You don't hear much about cool climate wines in California. And certainly, you never hear about cool climate Cabernet Sauvignon. Today, I was afforded the opportunity to revisit Schug Cabernet Sauvignon from Sonoma. The last time I had Schug Cabernet Sauvignon was from a magnum of 2002 vintage at Thanksgiving pre- Killer Vino. At the time, I didn't realize that the wine was a unicorn in the California landscape. But it was certain that everyone, including me, loved it. After tasting the 2018 Schug Cab, I was immediately transported to the moment I discovered this wine from the Magnum of 2002. It is ripe, but not overly alcoholic. I respect a California winemaker that is not afraid to make a Cabernet Sauvignon and proudly put 13.9 ABV on their label.
The nose is a nice balance of ripe dark fruits, with peppery, savory notes and a hint of mint. The wine enters the front of the palate like a dollop of honey (Think viscosity, not flavor.) that moves across the palate. Eventually finding every crease from back to front. There is a nice oak/fruit integration, despite the youth. But a few years, or a loosely inserted cork overnight will make this wine even better. The finish was satisfying, particularly for a wine at this modest price.
$32/Bottle
$27 2+ Bottles (Code SCHUG2)
$24 6+Bottles (Code SCHUG6)