Nose
The fruitful aromas of the wine’s youth are still vibrant, with fresh green apple, lime and pineapple jumping out of the glass. Refined, bottle-aged characters of hazelnut, honey and baked brioche chime in.
Palate
The palate pleases with a crisp entry and the flavorful essences of white peach, key lime and juicy tropical fruit. While a creamy depth builds on the mid-palate, the wines acidic backbone and a certain mineral drive stretch into a long, riding finish. The 2001 J. Schram should develop beautifully for at least 20 more years.
Growing Conditions
Spring temperatures bounced between freezing and hot, leading to a relatively early bloom. While May and June saw record heat on the North Coast, late summer conditions were comparatively mild allowing our sparkling harvest to ease along until early October.
Bottling
Bottled: April 29–30, 2002
Winemaking
More than 80 vineyard blocks in Carneros, Anderson Valley and along the Sonoma and Marin coasts are carefully nurtured throughout the growing season. Cluster samples are pulled several times before the optimal pick date for each block is selected. Complexity is gained through fermentation in both oak barrels and stainless steel tanks. Some of the small lots undergo malolactic fermentation to enrich aromas and infuse creaminess on the palate.
Barrel Fermentation: 40%
County Composition: 48% Napa, 26% Sonoma, 20% Mendocino, 6% Marin
Aging
The wine is then aged en tirage in Schramsberg’s historic Diamond Mountain caves for more than six years, riddled by hand, and finished with an exceptional brut dosage.
Food Pairing
It is quite appealing on its own as an apéritif or enjoyed with fresh shellfish, caviar, smoked salmon, tangy cheeses, seafood brochettes or risotto with prosciutto.
