2010 J. Schram - LIBRARY OFFERING (1 x 750 ml)
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% of the winerys annual production, the Chardonnay-focused J. Schram blend is assembled from the very best base wine lots of the approximately 300 produced each year. This special bottling is dedicated to Schramsbergs founder, Jacob Schram, and has been a great success since its premier 1987 vintage was released in 1992.
Cluster samples from over 115 cool-climate vineyard sources are pulled several times before the optimal pick date for each block is selected. Complexity within the wine is gained through both oak barrel and stainless-steel tank fermentation. Additional layers are provided through small lots that undergo malolactic fermentation, enriching aromas and infusing creaminess on the palate. Our J. Schram is aged for over seven years on the yeast in Schramsbergs historic Diamond Mountain caves; each bottle is then riddled by hand and finished with an exceptional brut dosage.
J. Schram is quite appealing on its own as an apéritif or enjoyed with fresh shellfish, caviar on toast point, smoked salmon, sharp cheeses, seafood brochettes, cedar-planked lobster, mesquite-grilled quail, or Serrano ham and porcini risotto.
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.
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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.- Winemakers Sean Thompson and Hugh Davies
Reviews
97 Points - #29 Top 100 Cellar Selection in 2019This 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.- Wine Enthusiast (September 2019)
96 Points
Not quite as dramatically toasty and singularly focused on the "biscuitty" qualities that defined Schramsberg's Reserve bottling of the same age, this fascinating, amazingly complex wine is unsparing in autolyzed richness, yet it still shows a bit of underlying fruit and is as deep as it is complete. From its seamless integration of fruit and yeast to its unceasing stream of tiny bubbles to its exemplary balance and terrifically long finish, this one is nothing less than a tour de force example of the Champenoise art and is at the top of our list of sparkling wines to bring out when the occasion calls for something truly special.- Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine (December 2019)
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.- Wine Spectator (August 2019)
