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Schramsberg
2003 J. Schram |
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From the inception of Schramsberg’s efforts in 1965, the winery has sought to achieve the greatest elegance and individuality possible in our sparkling wines. J. Schram epitomizes Schramsberg’s philosophy to create a wine in which no effort has been spared and no care has been omitted. Representing only 3 percent of the winery’s annual production, the Chardonnay-focused J. Schram blend is assembled from the very best base-wine lots of the approximately 200 produced each year. This special bottling is dedicated to Schramsberg’s founder of 1862, Jacob Schram, and has been a great success since its premier 1987 vintage was released in 1992.
More than 95 vineyard blocks in Carneros, Anderson Valley, and along the Sonoma and Marin coasts are carefully nurtured throughout the growing season. Cluster samples are pulled several times before the optimal pick date for each block is selected. Complexity is gained through fermentation in both oak barrels and stainless steel tanks. Some of the small lots undergo malolactic fermentation to enrich aromas and infuse creaminess on the palate. The wine is then aged on the yeast in Schramsberg’s historic Diamond Mountain caves for six years, riddled by hand and finished with an exceptional brut dosage.
J. Schram is appealing on its own as an apéritif or enjoyed with fresh shellfish, caviar, smoked salmon, tangy cheeses, seafood brochettes, or risotto with prosciutto. |
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County Composition: 42% Sonoma, 37% Napa, 11% Mendocino, 10% Marin
Principal Chardonnay Blocks:
Napa-Carneros: Hyde, Jones, Tognetti
Sonoma-Carneros: Vella, Ricci
Marin County: Stevens |
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| The 2003 vintage provided one of the wettest springs on record, affording a beneficially long and cool growing season. Early season heat spikes got the vines growing and the season evolved nicely with warm days and cool nights. The grapes developed beautifully with delicious fruit flavors and elevated acidity. |
Harvest Dates: August 18-October 19
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Barrel Fermentation: 40%
Bottled: April 20, 2004
Disgorge Date: September 3, 2009 |
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The fruitful aromas of the wine’s youth are still vibrant, with fresh green apple, lime and pineapple jumping out of the glass. Refined, bottle-aged characters of hazelnut, honey and baked brioche chime in. The palate pleases with a crisp entry and the flavorful essences of white peach, key lime and juicy tropical fruit. While a creamy depth builds on the mid-palate, the wines acidic backbone and a certain mineral drive stretch into a long, riding finish. The 2001 J. Schram should develop beautifully for at least 20 more years.
Keith Hock and Hugh Davies, Winemakers |
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Varietal Composition: 85% Chardonnay, 15% Pinot Noir
Production: 3,000
(6/750ml)
Alcohol: 12.5%
TA: 0.90g/100ml
pH: 3.06
RS: 1.2g/100ml
Release Date: May 24, 2010
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