2017 Schug Winery Pinot Noir Carneros 750 ml

You may not know Walter Schug, but you definitely know his wines. The German-born winemaking expert and founder behind today’s standout release was the mastermind behind America’s first official Bordeaux blend—yes, that’s Joseph Phelps Insignia—as well as the country’s first late-harvest Riesling, first Syrah, and more. 

But being a Napa superstar wasn’t enough for Schug, who left it all behind to stake his reputation on Carneros and focus on the Burgundian varieties of his youth—the path that led directly to this wine, one of the Valley’s great under-the-radar Pinots. 

Sourced from vineyards typically reserved for $60+ single-site wines, this Pinot is the essence of Carneros, balancing richness and texture from the California sun with brightness and elegance born of Pacific fog and breezes. We expect this kind of nuance and complexity from the region’s costliest bottles, but rarely see it in wines priced for everyday indulgence.

Usually claimed by Pinot lovers on the mailing list and in the tasting room, this wine rarely escapes Schug’s loyal fanbase, but we managed to wrest away a tiny allotment for Wine Access members. At 31% off the SRP, this is a steal on a 92-point Pinot that embodies the best of California. 

The ‘17 is an absolute classic, with a nose full of cherry pie, sun-warmed black raspberries, violets, and baking spices. Pausing before taking a sip, you’ll notice the gorgeous pure ruby color—and then completely forget everything on your mind once the wine hits your mouth. Round and rich as it rolls over your tongue, this is full of Bing cherry and wild raspberry flavors, complemented by hints of vanilla and rosemary. Like the absolute best wines out of Carneros, the mouthwatering finish begs for another sip.

Nestled at the base of the cool, windswept Carneros hills, Schug is a California icon hidden in plain sight. It’s concealed down a country lane that’s easy to miss at the intersection of Highways 12 and 121, and we’ve passed the discreet Schug sign hundreds of times on our drive between Napa and San Francisco.

Our second-generation Schug host, Axel, explained that despite this Pinot’s everyday price, it’s sourced from their prime estate vineyard, as well as high-profile, coveted sites like the legendary Sangiacomo Vineyard.

Walter’s kids—Axel, along with Claudia and Andrea—lead the Schug charge today, and have only increased the quality of the wines, making them nearly impossible to source once they’re released to their loyal wine club members. 

The ‘17 Pinot, with all its polish and poise, is a wine deserving of the Schug name, and then some. At just $24 per bottle, we recommend stocking up while you can.