Dear Club Members, Greetings - J. Davies Vineyard

A p r i l 2 0 1 6 
Dear Club Members,
Greetings from Diamond Mountain,
where it is thankfully raining a bit more this
year! The 2016 growing season may be first in
the last five that is preceded by a winter with
above average precipitation. The vineyards
and the forests in our area will absolutely be
happier for it.
Speaking of vineyards, our long-time
vineyard manager, Jaime Aguirre retired
this winter after 47 years of employment at
Schramsberg. How could my parents have
known that the 22-year old man from Guanajuato would give the winery nearly half
a century of his life? There aren’t too many
jobs that Jaime hasn’t done on the property
from pruning vines, building rock walls, to
riddling bottles. With his wife, Teresa, they
raised three children on this property, living
in the carriage house on the way up to the
vineyards. Now with eight grandchildren all
living in the valley, we wish the Aguirre Family great things to come, and to Jaime a wellearned retirement. How do you say “thank
you”? We decided to name a vineyard block
after him. Take a close look next time you
make it up to Jack and Jamie’s Grove!
We are thrilled this spring to release the
inaugural vintage of our J. Davies “Jamie”
Diamond Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon.
Named in honor of my mother, Jamie Davies, who along with my father, Jack, revived
the Schramsberg property in 1965. With
only the top 12 barrels from the 2012 season
selected, this bottle represents the absolute
pinnacle of our efforts with our estate hillside
vineyards. While limited production won’t
allow it to be placed in a club shipment be-
Greetings,
Please see inside for tasting notes on all of
the wines included in these shipments. If you
need more detailed information please go to
http://www.schramsberg.com/trade.html for
the latest reviews and news.
We want to let you know that there will
yond the Jack and Jamie’s Circle in October,
we are excited to offer this special wine to our
club members first this spring.
And for Davies Club shipments this
April, we have a great set of three red wines
from the outstanding 2013 vintage. This
year’s “jd” estate Diamond Mountain Cabernet is bright and plush, carrying a touch of
Malbec and Petit Verdot in the blend. The
Londer Pinot Noir grows on south facing
slopes on Anderson Valley’s west end, and
delivers on the darker, richer end of our scale.
Hugh and Jaime toasting at the dedication of the
vineyard block named in Jaime's honor.
Our Sonoma Coast blend, with its lively red
berry density, highlights the Nobles Vineyard
high above the ocean in the remote Fort
Ross-Seaview area and the Spring Hill further
south in the Petaluma Gap.
This quarter’s sparkling wine package
should set the tone nicely for summer to
come. The 2007 J. Schram is as fine as we’ve
made, with great balance, layered fruit, and
be a slight price increase on our club
shipments beginning with the October
shipment:
Cellar Club 2 bottle shipments
Cellar Club double shipment
$115
$230
Riddler’s Circle 6 bottle shipment
Riddler’s Circle 12 bottle shipment
$410
$820
vibrant length. Aged for seven years on tirage,
rich depth of character is fully present, yet
this bottling will reward many years of aging
to come. Another favorite in our home is the
Brut Rosé, and the just-released 2013 iteration definitely fits the bill. Pretty mixed berry,
orange citrus and stone fruit flavors represent
our full range of vineyards from the Carneros
out to the coast from Philo, Fort Ross, Occidental, down to Tomales.
The McNeil / Redding Ranch is home
to one of those key coastal vineyard sights,
sitting at a maximum 1,000 feet above the
village of Nicasio in West Marin County. In
2012 we bottled our first vineyard designate
sparkling from this exceptional site, and we
look forward to sharing it with you upon its
release in the spring of 2017. At this time,
we want to acknowledge the recent passing
of Larry McNeil, patriarch of the McNeil
family, long-time friend, and original Schramsberg shareholder dating back to 1965. A
member of our Board of Directors for most
of the last 50 years, he was a patient, gentle
and confident man who will long be remembered here.
In closing we extend great thanks to all of
our club members, whose enthusiasm for our
wines enables us the opportunity to make the
Redding Ranch sparklings and Jamie cabernets. We look forward to your next visit to
the winery or to a Schramsberg function near
your home.
Here’s to a great season ahead,
Hugh, Monique and the
Schramsberg / Davies Family
Davies Club 3 shipments
Davies Club double shipment
$135
$270
Jack & Jamie’s Circle 3 shipments
$395
Jack & Jamie’s Circle double shipment $780
Thanks for all you support.
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Cellar Club
(2 bottles for $110* )
Riddler’s Circle
(6 bottles for $395* )
The Riddler’s Circle receives double the Cellar Club shipment plus two
more (or equivalent) special library selections.
2007 J. Schram
Tasting Notes - “The 2007 J. Schram opens with bright
aromas of green apple, fresh pineapple and dried fig, followed
by nuances of pie crust, dulce de leche, and toasted hazelnut.
On first sip, apricot and baked apple flavors are present,
which are accentuated by layers of brioche
and warm cobbler. The palate’s texture is
viscous and dense on entry. A long finish
is driven by generous and bright acidity.”
Varietal Composition: 84% Chardonnay, 16% Pinot Noir
Barrel Fermentation: 35%
Alcohol: 12.8%
Suggested Retail: $120
2013 Brut RosÉ
Tasting Notes - “The 2013 Brut Rosé has generous aromas of mixed red berry, orange blossom, and white peach.
Its fruitful nose is complemented by notes of strawberry
cream pie and brioche. On the palate, there are bursts of
raspberry sorbet, lemon custard, and summer apricot. The wine has a fresh, juicy
acidity which drives to a bright, vibrant
finish.”
Varietal Composition: 61% Pinot Noir, 39% Chardonnay
Barrel Fermentation: 27%
Alcohol: 13%
Suggested Retail: $44
*plus tax and handling where applicable
2004 J. Schram
Tasting Notes - “The 2004 J. Schram has aromas of fresh green
apple, apricot and lime and a bit of minerality. In addition there is a
creaminess of vanilla custard, and marzipan followed by fresh baguette.
Flavors of orange, melon and lemon are present with
some lime pith. The fruit is accentuated by warm
spices, cinnamon and nutmeg. The texture is rich
and tangy with an acidity that is long and balanced”
Varietal Composition: 85% Chardonnay, 15% Pinot Noir
Barrel Fermentation: 34%
Alcohol: 12.5%
Suggested Retail: $130
2007 CrÉmant Demi-Sec
Tasting Notes - “The 2007 Crémant Demi-sec has bursting tropical aromas of mango, pineapple and papaya, followed by sweet citrus.
In addition to the fresh fruit aromas, there is a richness of straight from
the oven rhubarb pie. The palate is viscous on entry,
with flavors of peach cobbler, pineapple, lemon cream,
and just a hint of vanilla. Slightly sweet on entry, with a
quenching acidity that is long and lingering.”
Varietal Composition: 67% Flora, 18% Chardonnay, 15% Gewurztraminer
Barrel Fermentation:15%
Alcohol: 13.0%
Suggested Retail: $60
Winemakers:
Hugh Davies and Sean Thompson
In The News
International Wine Review – Report
#53 American Sparkling Wine
Napa Valley Awards
Exciting news – At Drink Me magazine,
we are launching the inaugural “Drink Me
Awards Program” honoring outstanding
members of Napa community, who show
excellence in several categories…
Best Wine Tasting Experience Value
Schramsberg
Stepping into Schramsberg grounds is akin
to stepping back in time. This enchanting
estate is tucked into the densely wooded
hills of Diamond Mountain, just south of
the sleepy town of Calistoga. It is home to
the oldest hillside vineyards in Napa…
96 - Schramsberg 1999 J. Schram 50th Anniversary
Late Disgorged North Coast ($175) - This is the
most outstanding wine of this report. It combines power
and elegance in a seamless, texturally precise style. Toasted grain, hazelnut, tropical
fruit, and even a hint of dulce de leche are revealed on a creamy, intense palate of
striking purity. A blend of 74% Chardonnay (mostly from Carneros vineyards,
including Hyde) and 26% Pinot Noir, 38% barrel fermented with partial malo,
11.5 g/L RS. Disgorged October 2014 with over 14 years on the lees.
93 - Schramsberg 2006 Reserve North Coast ($110) - This mostly Pinot Noir
based sparkling wine has spent over 7 years on the lees in bottle and reveals the
rich toasted notes of an aged Champagne. It’s very creamy and complex with
prominent toasted walnut and hazelnut complemented by orange and dried
cherry accents. Its bold flavors show best when paired with food. It also shows
best served in larger glasses or even possibly decanted. A blend of 84% Pinot
Noir, 16% Chardonnay with 40% barrel fermented and RS of 10 g/L.
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April 2016
&
The Davies Club
Jack & Jamie’s Circle
2013 Pinot Noir - Sonoma Coast
2013 jd Cabernet Sauvignon
Tasting Notes - “Aromas of black cherry accented with
vanilla, baked bread, and earth gently rise from the glass. The
palate is youthful with a juicy center, typical
of the Sonoma Coast. Flavors of rhubarb and
fresh cranberry, with hints of coffee and white
pepper, flow through the lively finish.”
Tasting Notes - “Aromas of black raspberry, Santa
Rosa plum, and black tea are accentuated by licorice and
cinnamon. The bright entry of boysenberry
and plum are infused with mountain sage and
mocha, which are sustained by the extended
youthful finish.”
Varietal Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Barrel Aging (French Oak): 15 months (41% new)
Alcohol: 14.1%
Suggested Price: $35
Varietal Composition: 90% Cabernet Sauvignon,
7% Malbec, 3% Petit Verdot
Barrel Aging (French Oak): 24 months (81% new)
Alcohol: 13.5%
Suggested Price: $60
2013 Pinot Noir - Londer Vineyards
Tasting Notes - “Aromas of cranberry and strawberry
jam combined with hints of milk chocolate and baking
spice rise from the glass. Flavors of Bing
cherry and rhubarb crumble, mingled
with mocha and nutmeg, are expressed
throughout the nimble yet balanced finish.”
Varietal Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Barrel Aging (French Oak): 15 months (47% new)
Alcohol: 14.1%
Suggested Price: $55
• The Davies Club will receive
1 bottle each of the pinots and 2 bottles of the cabernet for $130*
• Jack & Jamie’s Circle will receive
4 bottles of each for $380*
Quarterly Review of Wines
There’s nothing romantic about the origins of Valentine’s, which has its
roots in a pagan Roman fertility rite…But what’s Valentine’s without
Champagne, specifically Rosé Champagne, the most sensual bubbly in
the world? Drink it and a life-long love affair has commenced…
2007 J. Schram Rosé (Carneros, Anderson Valley,
Sonoma, Monterey), $125.
Expensive, yes, but a stunning and brilliant Rosé. Strawberry and
cherry, tropical fruit flavors, lemony, cherry, with a dominant
Chardonnay feel. Complexity with Grace. BEST OF SHOW
2012 Schramsberg Rosé (North Coast), $45.
Salmon hue. Pinot fruit upfront with strawberry, spice, and freshly
baked brioche, with rich and lasting finish.
Quintessential Napa
Kelli White, author of the new book Napa Valley,
Then Now, tells F&W’s Annie Quigley about four
brilliant figures from Napa’s past whose influence is
still shaping the valley’s future.
“Jacob Schram, who founded Schramsberg in
1862, was the first to move up into the hillsides of
Diamond Mountain and plant vineyards there. It
was mean work; no roads, horse-drawn carriages.
Even now in my SUV I have a hard time getting
up and over Spring Mountain, so I can’t imagine
how difficult that was. His wines were considered
to be among the very, very best, and many credit
his success to his dedication to hillside vineyards.”
Wine to try now: Schramsberg J. Schram Rosé.
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In The News
Semiannual Report:
93 points - Schramsberg Rosé
North Coast J. Schram 2007
Expressive and refined, this
balances complexity with bold
richness. Aromas of strawberry,
roasted almond and yeasty brioche
open to long and layered flavors
of blood orange, shortbread and
fresh ginger. Drink now.—T.F.
92 points - Schramsberg Brut
Rosé North Coast 2012
Plush, with floral strawberry
and brioche aromas and rich,
layered flavors of blood orange,
gingerbread and almond. Drink
now.—T.F
92 points - Schramsberg Reserve
North Coast 2007
Polished, plush and full-bodied
with notes of cinnamon brioche,
cherry and apple plus hazelnut.
Wine of the Week
Schramsberg 2012 Rosé sparkling wine
This is a wine that makes the occasion.
Frothy bubbles, rich red strawberry and
cherry fruit with zesty lemon citrus; it is hard
to imagine any other wine being able to top
this one for sheer pleasure…Catherine Bugue
A Fine Romance
What to pour with oysters? We played
matchmaker to bring you 13 perfect
pairings…Oysters taste famously of
cucumber, melon, and the seat itself; what
you need in a wine to match is something
extremely dry, crisp, and minerally, with
loads of citrus. An herbal vein is a bonus.
Skip highly fruity and floral bottles.
Schramsberg 2012 Blanc de Blancs Brut
(North Coast) Pear and apple flavors in the
wine punch up oysters’ sweetness, but its soy,
quality highlights salinity too—the best of
both worlds.
Year’s Best Sparkling
92 Schramsberg 2010 Anderson Valley Brut
Schramsberg has sourced fruit from vineyards in
the Anderson Valley since 1992, but this is only the
fourth wine they’re bottled exclusively from that
region. Ninety percent pinot noir, with 40 percent of the blend fermented in barrel,
it’s both substantial and focused, with savory nut skin and autumn leaf aromas
and lemon-bright acidity. The fruit feels developed yet well preserved, released at a
balanced and delicious point of evolution.
90 Schramsberg 2006 North Coast Reserve
Driven by bold pear-scented fruit edged by alcohol, this has the dramatic ripeness
of some 2003 Champagnes. It’s toasty and mature yet clean, its creamy breadth
harmonizing with a mouth-watering line of acidity, ready for poached salmon.
90 Schramsberg 2000 North Coast Reserve Late Disgorged
Fifteen years old, disgorged in October 2014, this still feels bright and sharply
focused, lasting on the burnished spice of apple skin. Its mouthwatering acidity is
layered with aromas of toast and iodine from years of resting on its lees. Sourced
mostly from Anderson Valley and Carneros, it’s ready for rich cuts of sashimi.
94 Points - Davies Vineyards
Napa Valley - 2012 Jamie
Dried flowers with lots of black
currants and some sweet tobacco.
This is rich, full-bodied and juicy
with chewy tannins. It has a
wonderful intensity yet it remains
constrained. Beautiful cabernet
from the Diamond district. Long
finish. Drink now.
92 Points - Davies Vineyards
Cabernet Sauvignon Napa
Valley Rutherford - 2012
Round Pond Vineyards
The dark berry and slate aromas
here are persuasive. Full body,
firm tannins and a fresh finish. It
shows tannin tension and verve.
Drink in 2018.
93 Points - Davies Vineyards
Cabernet Sauvignon Napa
Valley Calistoga – 2013
Winfield Vineyard
Very floral with dried rose petal
and lilac aromas. Full body, very
fine tannins and a flavorful finish.
Focused and long on the finish.
Better in 2018.
94 Points - Davies Vineyards
Cabernet Sauvignon Napa
Valley Howell Mountain 2013 Red Cap Vineyard
A full-bodied red that's polished
and refined with silky tannins
and a long, flavorful finish.
Charcoal undertones. Very savory
and delicious. Better in 2018
91 Points - Davies Vineyards
Napa Valley - 2013 J. Davies
A structured Napa cab with
plenty of blackberries and asphalt
as well as sage on the nose. On
the palate, the wine exhibits a
slight jamminess and lacks a bit
of center palate. However, it is
fresh, and this balances the fruit
of this wine. Drink now.
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April 2016
Current Offerings
J. Schram
Member Price
Blanc De Blancs
750 ML
2007
$ 102.00
375 ML
2012
$ 20.40
1.5 L
2007
$ 204.00
750 ML
2013
$ 33.15
1.5 L
2013
$ 66.30
Blanc De Noirs
Member Price
Late Disgorged - 50th Anniversary
Davies Vineyards
J. Davies Estate “Jamie”
750 ML
2012
750 ML
1999
Limited
Release
$ 148.75
1.5 L
1999
Limited
Release
$ 297.50
3L
1999
Limited
Release
$ 595.00
Member Price
Cabernet Sauvignon
New/Limited
Release
$ 170.00
J. Davies Estate
750 ML
2012
$ 85.00
1.5 L
2012
$ 170.00
Member Price
J. Schram Rosé
Member Price
750 ML
$ 127.50
2007
Extra Brut
750 ML
Member Price
2008
$ 63.75
750 ML
2012
Brut Rosé
$ 34.85
Member Price
750 ML
2012
$ 37.40
1.5 L
2009
$ 85.00
Crémant Demi-Sec
750 ML
Member Price
2012
$ 34.00
Mirabelle Brut
Member Price
jd Estate
750 ML
2013
New
Release
$ 46.75
750 ML
Winfield Vineyards, Calistoga
750 ML
2012
Multi
Vintage
$ 68.00
Round Pond Vineyards, Rutherford
Mirabelle Brut Rosé
750 ML
750 ML
2012
$ 68.00
Napa Valley
750 ML
2013
Pinot Noir
$ 55.25
Nobles Vineyard, Fort Ross-Seaview
750 ML
2013
Member Price
750 ML
2007
$ 102.00
1.5 L
2007
$ 204.00
1.5 L
2000
Limited
Release
$ 297.50
Our friendly Visitor Center/Guest Relations staff.
3L
2000
Limited
Release
$ 595.00
Please call the winery for pricing on larger
bottles and engraved bottles or go to
www.schramsberg.com.
As the direct shipping reciprocal states are
changing on a regular basis, please call the
winery for the most updated information
on your state.
Freight:
$35.00/Case In California, Oregon & Washington
$55.00/Case In Alaska, Hawaii
$45.00/Case All other reciprocal states
Order Toll-Free: 800-877-3623 or email
[email protected] or go to
www.schramsberg.com, Shop Online.
$ 46.75
Hyde Vineyards
750 ML
2013
$ 46.75
Ferrington Vineyards, Anderson Valley
750 ML
2013
$ 46.75
Londer Vineyards
750 ML
2013
$ 46.75
Sonoma Coast
750 ML
2013
$ 29.75
Anderson Valley
750 ML
2013
$ 24.65
Late Disgorged - 50th Anniversary
Jack & Jamie’s Reserve
2013
Multi
Vintage
Member Price
$ 42.50
Reserve
750 ML
$ 22.95
$ 29.75
Schramsberg Saber In Wood Box
Member Price
Saber - 50 Anniversary
$ 123.25
th
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Slow-Roasted Pork
Shoulder With
Mustard And Sage
Pancetta-Wrapped Shrimp
with Sun-Dried
Tomato Sauce
Serve with Davies Pinot Noir or
jd Cabernet Sauvignon
Serve with Schramsberg J. Schram or Brut Rosé
Serves: 8
Ingredients
1
½ C.
¼ C.
2 T.
4
skinless, bone-in pork shoulder
(Boston butt; 5–6 lb.)
Kosher salt and freshly ground
black pepper
Dijon mustard
Finely chopped fresh sage
Finely chopped fresh marjoram
Cloves garlic finely chopped
Preparation
• Place a rack in lower third of oven; preheat to
325°. Season pork with salt and pepper. Mix
mustard, sage, marjoram, and garlic in a small
bowl. Spread all over pork, working it into all
the crevices.
• Place pork, fat side up, on a rack set inside a
roasting pan and roast, basting with pan juices
about every hour and tenting with foil if pork
browns too quickly, until pork is well browned
and very tender, 5–6 hours (depending on size
of pork shoulder).
• Let pork rest at least 10 minutes before
serving (the meat should pull apart easily).
Serve this over a bed of soft polenta for
catching the juices, with a simply dressed salad
on the side.
Recipe by Colu Henry
Photograph by Gentl & Hyers
24
large shrimp (16-20 count)
12
strips thinly sliced Pancetta
(bacon can be used as alternative)
Peel and de-vein the shrimp, making sure to leave on the tails.
Separate the pancetta into strips about 3 ½ inches long. Make sure
pancetta thickness is consistent throughout, or pound to even out. Starting
at the base of each shrimp’s tail, wrap the pancetta twice around the
middle. Press the loose end of the strip to itself to seal. Refrigerate until
ready to cook.
Sauce:
¼ C.
¼ C.
¼ C.
1 T.
¼ t.
2 T.
1 T.
Sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil
Olive oil
Minced onion
Minced garlic
Tabasco, or to taste
Sherry or Champagne vinegar
Chopped fresh basil
Kosher salt to taste
Drain the sun-dried tomatoes of excess oil and chop coarsely.
In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion
and garlic, and sweat until translucent. Then add the sun-dried tomatoes,
Tabasco and vinegar. Cook 1 minute, add the basil and remove from heat.
Let cool. Puree in blender or food processor. Season with salt as needed.
Refrigerate the sauce at this point if preparing ahead. Bring the sauce
close to room temperature before using.
Preheat the oven to a broil setting. Broil the shrimp, seam-side down to
keep the pancetta from curling. Cook until the pancetta is brown and crisp
and the shrimp are just cooked through, about 3-4 minutes.
As a first course, place mixed greens dressed simply with extra-virgin
olive oil, champagne vinegar, salt and pepper on one side of the plate. Next
to the greens, pool some of the sauce. Place three shrimp in the pool and
drizzle with more sauce.
As an hors d’oeuvre, alternately arrange shrimp on a platter with sauce
in a small ramekin for dipping.
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April 2016
2011 Schramsberg Champagne & Sparkling
Wine “Blanc de Noirs”
This white gold colored sparkler has lots of small
bubbles and opens with a mild pear bouquet
with a hint of orange and bread dough. On
the palate, this wine is light bodied, fresh and
elegant. The flavor profile is a mineral infused
lemon with hints of dough and faint strawberry.
The finish is dry and its flavors fade away nicely.
This sparkler is very food friendly and would pair
well with grilled swordfish skewers. Enjoy – Ken
A Taste of American Sparkling Wines
Schramsberg Brut Rosé 2012
A great example of a California sparkling
rosé that tastes unabashedly like Pinot Noir
(though it’s about 25 percent Chardonnay). The
Davies family, pioneers in California bubbles,
source this blend from the vineyards in Marin,
Sonoma, Napa, Mendocino counties. Red
berries, currants and oranges create a ripe-tasting
fruit profile and a fleshy, full-bodied texture.
Winespeed Wine of the Week
94 Points - J. Davies Estate
Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
(Diamond Mtn District,
Napa Valley)
J. Davies Estate, owned by the Davies family (of
Schramsberg fame) makes utterly refined, precise
and beautiful cabernets reminiscent of another
Diamond Mountain star: Diamond Creek. The
savory, cedary spice and ultra-long length are
fantastic. Karenmacneil.com
Best Wines of the Year 2015
Stephen Eliot’s Best of the *** Wines
Schramsberg 1999 J. Schram Late-Disgorged
Best of the **Wines
Schramsberg 2011 Querencia Brut Rosé
Sparkling Wine
96 Points - 2007 J. Schram: 84% Chardonnay; 16% Pinot Noir
This extraordinarily deep, explicitly champenized offering is a study
in contrasts when it is compared to Schramsberg's 2007 Reserve, for,
while both are nearing their tenth anniversaries, this one shows its
autolysis in a more refined light and wears its age with more elegance. It
is rife with crème brûlée richness but has retained a subtle, but very sure
sense of slightly juicy fruit that has not faded with time. It is a complete
and compelling package that reveals more and more with each sip, and
it ranks among the very best sparkling wines to be made anywhere.
96 Points - 2007 J. Schram Rosé: 71% Chardonnay; 29% Pinot Noir
Seamlessly combining the cherry-like fruit and vinosity of Pinot
Noir with an absolute wealth of autolyzed yeast and very clear in its
grasp of what a serious Rosé should be, the latest J. Schram version
is a fascinating wine of extraordinary layering, depth and polish. It
is explosively bubbled and its very fine mousse lasts and lasts, and,
while showing a bit of finishing grip that indelibly marks it as a true
Rosé, its altogether remarkable sense of refinement puts it in a class
all its own.
91 Points - 2007 Reserve: 76% Pinot Noir; 24% Chardonnay
As has been the consistent case in the past, Schramsberg’s Reserve
bottling runs to the very yeasty, highly autolyzed side of things, and
there is little room for even vestigial fruit among its layers and layers
of browned biscuits, vanilla, caramel and soy. It is not particularly
elegant, but it is frothy and full of very fine bubbles. While
commanding in terms of sheer richness and range, it is starting to
show a late inclination to dryness that has us wanting to drink it a bit
sooner rather than later.
90 Davies Ferrington Vineyards Anderson Valley 2013
From its very deep and incisively varietal aromas of ripe cherries,
raspberries and toasted vanilla to its lovely, slightly velvety feel on
the palate, Davies’s Ferrington bottling shows good range as well as
an especially careful winemaking hand. It is more savory than sweet
even while being keenly fruity, and its layered flavors last and last.
Its manifold immediate appeals are certain to tempt early drinking,
and, make no mistake, it is thoroughly enjoyable now, but it is also
exceptionally well-balanced and has the firm structural underpinnings
and fruity stamina to age comfortably for many years.
90 Davies Anderson Valley 2013
Here, again, Davies has come up with a well-defined and very
generously filled Pinot of noteworthy richness and depth, and it
is one that, even more than its companion from the Ferrington
Vineyards, is long on very outgoing, ripe cherry fruit. It starts out
silky and lithe on the palate and finds a gentle bit of grip as it goes,
and it shows terrific length. It, too, will keep and grow for several
years, but, if forced to choose between the winery’s two Anderson
Valley offerings to drink now, this would be the one. GOOD VALUE
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All in the Family
You probably won't
remember, but my wife
and our family were in
town for a wedding in
August of last year and
took a tour and did a
tasting with you. We had
an absolutely wonderful
time and still talk about
it whenever we open a
bottle of Schramsberg.
I am writing to
you because my wife was pregnant at the time and although she
couldn't fully partake in the tasting over the summer, she didn't
waste any time after giving birth to our daughter in November.
Thought you might appreciate a picture of a gift basket delivered
the day of the event.
Anyway, just wanted to say thanks again and we hope to make
it back out to Napa from cold New York sometime soon.
Elliott and Elizabeth, New York, NY - Cellar Club since 2013
Recently, our family
took a cruise through
the Panama Canal on
the Coral Princess. We
thought you might like
the attached is a picture taken on our balcony. Please note the
two bottles of J Schram, used to celebrate
the canal passing. Six
of us – three couples –
are all Cellar Club members: John & Anamarie, Bonita, CA - Cellar
Club since 2008, Maru & Hart, Valencia, CA - Cellar Club since 2008,
Greg & Norma, Colorado Springs, CO - Cellar Club since 2005
20th Century Christmas
As you can see, Santa was
good to me. Pictured is a case
of Schramsberg sparklers from
the 20th Century (L to R –
1998 Reserve, 2 – 1995 Reserve, 1996 Blanc de Blancs
Late Disgorged, 1999 J. Schram, 1998 J. Schram Rosé,
1996 J. Schram, 1997 J. Schram, 1998 J. Schram, 1997
Reserve, 1999 Reserve, 1994
Blanc de Noirs). Twelve days
of Christmas. Twelve bottles
of Schramsberg in a case.
Coincidence?
Thanks Santa and thanks
to all the great folks at Schramsberg.
Happy New Year!
Fred & Ricki, Bradenton, FL
Cellar Club since 2001
We came out in 1998 with two other
couples for the New Year's Eve party at Clos
Pegase, and that is when we discovered Schramsberg. I think we all joined your club then.
We had formed a wine tasting club and have
met for good food and wine several times a
year since 1991, actually! Schramsberg is still
the sparkling of choice for our group!
Of course my retirement party included
Schramsberg! We celebrated with close family
and friends, and shared three very delicious
bottles of our favorite sparkling wine!
We have a retirement trip planned in March and hope to stop in to see
you. Thanks!
Barb & Paul, Minneapolis, MN - Cellar Club since 1998
Mike and I spent Valentines
Weekend at East Brothers Lighthouse. We of course took a couple
of bottles of Schramsburg bubbly
to enjoy. We took a few pictures
and thought you might like seeing
your wines enjoyed at the
lighthouse!
Hugs, Mike and Toni,
Lafayette, CA
Cellar Club since 2009
New baby showing off his onesie.
Todd & Erin, Carmel, IN
Cellar Club since 2007
We are not wasting any
time celebrating my doctoral
graduation on the University of
Cincinnati's campus with the J.
Schram 2007 Rose.
Shawn and Kellee,
Cincinnati, OH
Cellar Club since 2014
Greetings from Minnesota!
Hope you enjoy the photo.
What else does one do on Valentine's Day during a Minnesota winter snow storm? Hopefully, our supply of Schramsberg
will last another 3 months!
David and Susan,
Lakefield, MN
Cellar Club since 2005 &
Davies Club since 2011
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April 2016
Camp Schramsberg
Rave Reviews for Camp Schramsberg!
“I’ve only been to camp once when I was a kid, and I
remember having fun but I’m pretty certain it was nowhere near
the fun I had earlier this week at Camp Schramsberg.”
– Anne Ernst (The Napa Valley Register)
“Over the remainder of the day we experimented with various
pairing combinations, challenging some conventionally held
beliefs and discovering some new favorites. The caviar pairings
also revealed some surprises such as the significant difference the
toppings make. Truffled Tiger-Eye Whitefish Roe topped with
egg yolk was utterly delicious when paired with the 2006 Extra
Brut. By the end of the seminar we had experimented with a
variety of options and learned a lot about the nuances of creating
the “perfect pairing.”
– Stephanie (TheGlamourousGourmet.com)
“Our graduation was itself a celebration. We were now
ambassadors of American sparkling wine, released back to
the world to spread the word: American sparkling wine—and
Schramsberg in particular—is a fantastic collaboration between
humans and nature.”
– Xania Woodman (Vegas Seven.com)
The fall 2016 camp session will be held on September 11 13, and has campers harvest grapes, taste through fermenting
wines, create an individually dosaged bottle, attend food and
wine seminars and perform the always favorite sabering of the
bottles. $1,300 per person (15% club discount applies).
Oyster and caviar paring session at Meadowood.
For additional information go to http://www.schramsberg.com/news/
campschramsberg.html, or contact our Camp Director Matthew at 707942-2408 or [email protected]. (Due to popular demand, both
2016 sessions are currently full. Please contact Matthew directly to be
added to the wait list.)
Winemakers Corner
Dan’s Corner
L to R - Dan Person, Sean Thompson and Jessica Koga.
Hugh Davies
Vintner
Sean Thompson
Senior Winemaker
Bottling has just begun! We’ve carefully tasted, discussed, sorted, retasted, and retasted again each lot to
create all of your favorite wines for the 2015 vintage.
So far this vintage exhibits great freshness.
Although we received a pittance of the expected
tonnage, our costal Pinot noirs delivered dense and
powerful fruit flavors with a surprising vibrancy. These
lots will make our Pinot noir-based wines a special
treat in 2015, especially Reserve and J. Schram Rosé.
At the time of bottling, we include a small amount
of sugar and living yeast that rapidly convert the sugar
into CO2, thus making our wines sparkle!
Our first vines to push out this year were from Jack
Tognetti's young vines. These are a special clone of
Chardonnay, exhibiting bright tropical and candied
fruits. They have been our first picked Chardonnays
over the past 2 years, so this is no surprise.
It is still too early to tell much about the 2016 vintage, but we are excited to watch things this summer
and will give you an update in the next newsletter.
Jessica Koga
Associate Winemaker (Davies)
Jessica’s Corner
At Davies Vineyards,
we’re taking a little time
to catch our breath after
bottling the 2014 Pinots
in January. In the cellar,
we’re going to be focusing
on finalizing blends for
our 2014 Cabernets and
taking our first real look at
the 2015 lots. In the vineyard, the vines are getting
pruned and we’re getting
ready for the new growing
season to start. It’s our time
to reflect on what went
right, what we want to
improve upon, and how to
make sure that we continue
to produce spectacular
wines for you to enjoy.
Dan Person
Associate Winemaker (Schramsberg)
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Member Information
Please keep this sheet handy for future reference and feel free to
contact us if you have any questions.
Call us to place your order toll-free at: 1-800-877-3623 or
707-942-6668 or purchase online at: www.schramsberg.com.
You can also contact us by email: [email protected],
[email protected] or [email protected].
Please note: If you make changes to your on-line account, please
remember that this also affects your club shipment so be sure to contact
us directly if you have special instructions.
Upcoming
Shipments & Events
2016
APRIL
11
Club Shipments Sent
21
Wine and Spirits Top of the List
New York, NY
www.wineandspiritsmagazine.com/toplist
26
 Special club pricing on all purchases at the winery and on-line
Wine Spectator Grand Tasting
New York City, NY
28
 Special “Club Only” tasting at specified time most days;
Wine Spectator Grand Tasting
Washington, DC
30
 Invitations to club and winery events around the country at an
Wine Spectator Grand Tasting
Las Vegas, NV
www.grandtour.winespectator.com
MAY
(which often include shipping).
please call to schedule an appointment. For reservations email
[email protected] or call 707-942-4558.
additional cost.
14
A Culinary Evening with the
California Winemasters
Warner Bros. Studios, Burbank, CA
www.californiawinemasters.org
21
Spring Club Event
Schramsberg Gardens and Caves
www.schramsberg.com
 You may select to use FedEx or UPS 2 day for your shipments at an
27-29
BottleRock Napa Valley
www.bottlerocknapavalley.com
 Hold for Pickup by Third Party Shipper members: please keep in
JUNE
 Shipments go out four times a year in February, April, October
and December, via UPS ground, unless otherwise requested. An adult
signature is required. If you are going to be traveling, please let us know
and we will postpone your shipment. If you have changed your address or
place of business since the last shipment, please let us know two weeks prior
to the next one or go on-line and modify your address. Redirects, returns
and reshipments will incur additional costs.
additional charge. Please let us know your preference.
mind your shipments can be delayed 2-3 weeks by your shipper. Please
call them direct to check on your shipments.
 Your credit card will be charged 7-10 days prior to the shipment to
allow us time for processing. Please notify us of changes prior to processing.
2-5
Auction Napa Valley
Meadowood Resort, St. Helena, CA
www.auctionnapavalley.org
10
Winemaker Dinner
Donovan’s Steak House, Phoenix, AZ
www.donovanssteakhouse.com
17
Winemaker Dinner
Charlie Palmer’s Harvest Table
www.harvesttablenapa.com
263 July
Mediterranean Wine Cruise (Sold Out)
Monte Carlo to Barcelona
www.foodandwinetrails.com schramsberg2016
1-800-367-5348
 Riddler’s Circle and Jack & Jamie’s Circle members receive a
complimentary tour and tasting for four with every scheduled visit to
the winery.
$395/$790 per Riddler’s Circle shipment receive double the Cellar
Club plus two more (or equivalent) special or library selections (three
shipments of 6 bottles at $395, one shipment of 12 bottles at $790 in
December)*
$380/$760 per Jack & Jamie’s Circle shipment (varies from 6-18
bottles per shipment four times a year. Three shipments at $380 and one at
$760 in December)*
 Cellar Club and Davies Club members receive a complimentary
tour and tasting for two with every scheduled visit to the winery.
$110/$220 per Cellar Club shipment (three shipments of 2 bottles at
$110 and 1 shipment of 4 bottles at $220 in December)*
$130/$260 per Davies Club shipment (varies from 2 – 6 bottles per
shipment four times a year. Three shipments at $130 and one at $260 in
December)*
SEPTEMBER
11-13
OCTOBER
*plus sales tax where applicable and handling for Alaska and Hawaii shipments.
Fall Club Event
Schramsberg Gardens & Caves
www.schramsberg.com
 You must be at least 21 years of age to be a member of our wine club(s).
Dates and wines are subject to change, based on weather conditions
and wine availability.
Camp Schramsberg
Fall Harvest Session (Sold Out)
Schramsberg Vineyards, Calistoga, CA
[email protected] or 707-942-6668
www.schramsberg.com
10
Club Shipments Sent