J. Schram, North Coast – 2003
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Introduction
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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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Vineyard Profile
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Principal Chardonnay Blocks
Napa-Carneros: Hyde, Jones, Tognetti
Sonoma-Carneros: Vella, Ricci
Marin County: Stevens
- County Composition: 42% Sonoma, 37% Napa, 11% Mendocino, 10% Marin
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Vintage Report
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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 Date(s): August 18-October 19
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Vinification
- Barrel Fermentation: 40%
- Bottled: April 20, 2004
- Disgorged: September 3, 2009
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 85% Chardonnay, 15% Pinot Noir
- Production (in cases): 3,000
- Production Case Pack: 6/750ml
- Alcohol: 12.5%
- TA: 0.90g/100ml
- p H: 3.06
- Release Date: May 24, 2010
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Tasting Notes
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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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Images
Reviews
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J. Schram, North Coast – 2003 – 91 points – Wine Spectator
"Lovely aromas show a touch of age with yeasty, nutty cinnamon roll aromas and rich and fleshy citrus flavors."
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J. Schram, North Coast – 2003 – 94 points – The Tasting Panel
“Lush and bursting with sundrenched fruit; rich, balanced, lively and long on the finish.”
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J. Schram, North Coast – 2003 – 94 points, Cellar Selection – Wine Enthusiast
"A beautiful, rich, elegant, fancy sparkling wine. Feels so fine in the mouth, all silk and satin, with deep, dry raspberry, strawberry, vanilla, toast, yeasty lees, brioche and honey flavors...."
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J. Schram, North Coast – 2003 – 92 points – Wine Spectator
“A beautiful bubbly, boldly styled but retaining elegance, with aromas of fresh brioche and apple and layered flavors of spicy hazelnut, yeast and baked pear.”