J. Schram, North Coast – 2006
-
Introduction
-
From the inception of Schramsberg’s efforts in 1965, the winery has sought to achieve the greatest elegance and individuality possible in its 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 250 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.
Cluster samples from more than 100 cool-climate vineyard sources 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, 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 on toast point, smoked salmon, tangy cheeses, seafood brochettes, cedar-planked lobster, mesquite-grilled quail or Serrano ham and porcini risotto.
-
-
Vineyard Profile
-
Principal Chardonnay Blocks
Napa-Carneros: Schwarze, Jones, Hyde, Tognetti
Sonoma County: Hawk Hill, Bates - County Composition: 47% Napa, 46% Sonoma, 6% Marin, 1% Mendocino
-
-
Vintage Report
-
A cool, wet spring delayed budbreak, with flowering beginning in early June. Heat in July promoted ripening, paving the way for harvest to start near the end of August. The vintage was drawn out due to cool weather in August and September. With no environmental pressures to start harvest, grapes were picked at the precise ripeness for sparkling wine with delicious flavors, low sugars and high acidities.
- Harvest Date(s): September 2-October 8
-
-
Vinification
- Barrel Fermentation: 40%
- Bottled: April 10-11, 2007
- Disgorged: February 2013, September 2013, January 2014
-
Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 87% Chardonnay, 13% Pinot Noir
- Production (in cases): 3,231 cases
- Production Case Pack: 6/750ml
- Alcohol: 12.2%
- TA: 0.90g/100ml
- p H: 3.12
- RS: 1.20g/100ml
- Release Date: April 1, 2014
-
Tasting Notes
-
The 2006 J. Schram opens with bright aromas of green apple, ripe grapefruit and sweet pineapple followed by exotic nuances of mango, guava, panna cotta and toasted almond. On first sip, tangerine and Kaffir lime are present, which are accentuated by layers of tart pear and Fuji apple. The palate’s texture is viscous and savory on entry. A long finish is driven by generous mouthwatering and lingering acidity. Keith Hock and Hugh Davies, Winemakers
-
Images
Reviews
-
J. Schram, North Coast – 2006 – 92 points – The Tasting Panel
“Lush and ripe with juicy fruit and racy acidity; elegant and full, rich and complex.”
-
J. Schram, North Coast – 2006 – 93 points – Wine Spectator
"Luscious and richly structured, with bold aromas of cinnamon apple and brioche, this delivers complex, ripe flavors of Meyer lemon, baked pear and almond."
-
J. Schram, North Coast – 2006 – 95 points, Editors’ Choice – Wine Enthusiast
"A superb, well-aged reserve-style wine, this delivers abundant and distinctive flavors without losing its cool. This has attractive smokey, toasty and perfectly mature fruit aromas, and unfolds complex and appealing spice and earth flavors."
-
J. Schram, North Coast – 2006 – 93 points – Wine Spectator
"Luscious and richly structured, with bold aromas of cinnamon apple and brioche, this delivers complex, ripe flavors of Meyer lemon, baked pear and almond."