Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

A Pinot Noir that showcases what Sonoma Coast is capable of: cool sea air that allows the grapes to ripen slowly, and a style deeply rooted in German heritage. Walter Schug brought his Rheingau background to California, establishing a style consciously inspired by Burgundian methods—precise, fruit-forward, and without overripeness.

The winery is located in Sonoma County and is now run by Schug's children Claudia, Andrea, and Axel, the second generation to do so. Chief Winemaker Johannes Scheid, with experience from the Mosel region, consistently continues Schug's original philosophy: elegance over power, terroir over extraction.

In the glass, the wine displays ripe cherry and strawberry, underpinned by delicate spice notes—cinnamon, a hint of white pepper. The body is medium-bodied, the tannins silky, the finish fresh with a pleasant length. Not a heavy, Sonoma-style crowd-pleaser, but a structured Pinot Noir with real drive.

Best served at 14–16 °C . Pairs well with duck breast with cherry sauce, grilled salmon, or a ripe Brie. Also a good choice for a simple midweek dinner.