J. Schram, North Coast – 2010
-
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 115 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 for more than seven years 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
- Appellation: North Coast
- County Composition: 68% Napa, 25% Sonoma, 5% Mendocino, 2% Marin
-
Vintage Report
-
Despite an irregular growing season, the 2010 vintage produced an excellent set of wines. Higher acidities and fresh fruit tones, a consequence of the unusually cool season, make the vintage especially compelling – and drinkable. The fruit delivered exceptional quality and density, resulting in beautifully crafted wines, with rich fruit and elegance, that will be collectible far into the future.
- Harvest Date(s): August 27 - October 12, 2010
-
-
Vinification
- Barrel Fermentation: 35%
- Bottled: April 12, 2011
- Bottle Aging: 7.5 years
- Disgorged: November 12 -15, 2018 and February 5 - 8, 2019
-
Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 84% Chardonnay, 16% Pinot Noir
- Production Case Pack: 2,709 (9L)
- Alcohol: 12.4%
- TA: 9.6 g/L
- p H: 2.99
- RS: 9.5 g/1L
- Release Date: April 1, 2019
-
Tasting Notes
-
“This sparkling wine opens with bright aromas of green apple, grilled pineapple and candied ginger, followed by nuances of lemon bar, graham cracker and nutmeg. The elegant palate features fruitful elements of apple, pear, Meyer lemon and sweet lime, layered with cinnamon spice and a pleasing finish driven by fresh fruitful acidity.”
-
Images
Reviews
-
Schramsberg Vineyards J. Schram, North Coast – 2010 – The Wine Advocate – 93 Points
This is Schramsberg's top cuvée. The 2010 J. Schram is made of 84% Chardonnay and 16% Pinot Noir. The nose is rich and savory, driven by its time on tirage: pastry, mushrooms, coffee and crème brûlée scents mingle with notions of quince paste and apple pie. The palate is voluminous and rich but surprisingly fresh, with a very pretty interplay of pure fruits and toasty character. It has a fine, creamy mousse and a long, nuanced finish. This is drinking wonderfully right now. 2,709 cases produced.
-
Schramsberg Vineyards J. Schram, North Coast — 2010 – James Suckling – 92 Points
Lots of biscuit and dried lemon with aromas of cooked apples and peaches. Full body and a flavorful finish. Creamy texture. 84% chardonnay and 16% pinot noir. Drink now.
-
Schramsberg Vineyards J. Schram North Coast – 2010 – Wine Spectator – 93 Points
Opulently styled yet impeccably structured, featuring apple and lemon tart flavors, laced with notes of roasted nuts and spicy cinnamon that glide on a plush finish. Drink now through 2020.
-
Schramsberg Vineyards J. Schram North Coast – 2010 – Wine Enthusiast – 97 Points
This dry and beautifully aged bubbly is made from 84% Chardonnay and 16% Pinot Noir. Rich gold in color, it opens with fascinating and well-developed aromas of toasted baguette, toasted walnuts and marzipan, followed by a warm, buttery flavor that's backed by baked apple and cinnamon. The fine-beaded texture is luxurious and the finish is long and lingering. Best through 2024.