Reserve, North Coast – 2010
-
Introduction
-
“Reserve” is Schramsberg’s top Pinot Noir-focused brut sparkling wine. Representing 2% of our annual production, this richly-flavored and full-bodied sparkler is made from only the finest base wine lots produced each year. Over eight years old upon release, this fruitful, yet dry, toasty and creamy bubbly will age gracefully for another 20-30 years.
Though primarily Pinot Noir, small amounts of select Chardonnay lots are added to the blend to lend additional backbone and length to the palate. Distinct barrel and malolactic fermented lots are also layered in to provide viscosity and depth. Each bottle is aged in contact with the yeast in our historic Diamond Mountain hillside caves for over seven years, affording the development of seasoned, roasted and caramelized richness. The yeast is then removed and a finishing dosage, determined through extensive and comprehensive trials, is added to fine-tune the wine’s balance of flavor.
Schramsberg Reserve is well-suited with a main course, such as fruit-stuffed veal, pork tenderloin, roasted duck with mango, cedarplank grilled salmon, and curried chicken salad. This flavorful sparkling wine can also be served as an apéritif with smoked oysters, caviar and such hard cheeses as aged Swiss Sbrinz, Sonoma Vella Jack, or Irish Coolea.
-
-
Vineyard Profile
- Vineyards: Napa County: Hudson Mendocino County: Juster Marin County: Skywalker Vineyards
- Appellation: North Coast
- County Composition: 33% Napa, 32% Marin, 26% Mendocino, 9% Sonoma
-
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 collectable far into the future.
- Harvest Date(s): August 27 - October 4, 2010
-
-
Vinification
- Barrel Fermentation: 36%
- Aging: 8 years
- Bottled: April 15, 2011
- Disgorged: May 21 - 22, 2019 and July 15, 2019
-
Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 84% Pinot Noir, 16% Chardonnay
- Production (in cases): 1732 (9L)
- Alcohol: 12.9%
- TA: 8.6 g/l
- p H: 3.08
- RS: 9.4 g/l
-
Tasting Notes
-
“The 2010 Reserve exhibits lively aromas of baked pear, apricot and candied orange that gain complexity with touches of Christmas spice, honey and crème caramel. Flavors of baked peach, roasted pineapple and mango are layered with toasted hazelnut, leading to a rich and powerful finish with fresh and clean acidity.” —Winemakers Sean Thompson and Hugh Davies
-
Images
Reviews
-
Schramsberg Vineyards Reserve, North Coast – 2010 – The Wine Advocate – 94 Points
The 2010 Reserve is made up of 84% Pinot Noir and 16% Chardonnay. It has a creamy nose with scents of meringue, ground coffee, oyster shell, poached apples and nuances of bread dough, marmalade and mushroom. The palate is lovely, with a wonderfully balanced blend of freshness and savoriness, energy and silkiness, with soft, very finely beaded mousse and a long, nuanced finish. 1,732 cases produced.
-
Schramsberg Vineyards Reserve, North Coast — 2010 – James Suckling – 92 Points
Lots of dried fruit with caramel and cream. Apricots. Full-bodied sparkling wine. Dense and rich palate. A big and fruity wine. 84% chardonnay and 16% pinot noir. Drink now.
-
Schramsberg Vineyards Reserve, North Coast — 2010 – Wine Spectator – 93 Points
Polished, rich and full-bodied, featuring expressive cherry and apple flavors, laced with brioche and spice notes, building to a plush texture on the long finish. Drink now. 1,732 cases made.
-
Schramsberg Vineyards Reserve, North Coast — 2010 – Wine Enthusiast – 96 Points
This is an extraordinary wine, both mouth filling in texture and intricate in flavor. A light amber color leads to a profusion of subtle spice and apricot aromas backed by enticing ginger, raspberry and citrus nuances on the palate. The flavors grow richer and deeper with each sip, carried by a very fine bead of effervescence and subtle acidity. Editors' Choice.