Aged to Perfection
The price for this quality of Pinot Noir is unmatched!
Vineyard
Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing (CCSW). The Sangiacomo Southern Sonoma Vineyard was first planted in 1974. The Sangiacomo family set down roots in the loamy Sonoma soil more than 80 years ago. Respecting what has worked in the past. Implementing new Viticulture practices to improve quality and preserve the environment. The Sangiacomo's are dedicated more than ever to producing Pinot Noirs of nuance and longevity.
Carneros AVA
Located at the base of the Napa Valley and Sonoma County, the two weather conditions that describe the Carneros AVA is windy and foggy. This cool appellation is situated on the northern edge of San Pablo Bay and experiences only moderate rain annually and very thin soils. Fog rolling in from the bay keeps the grapes cool in the strong summer sun—making this a prime growing area for cool-loving varieties such as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Winemaking
The fruit was sourced from a small Pommard block of Pinot Noir in the Carneros region just south of the town of Sonoma. Grapes were picked in the darkness of the early morning hours, and immediately subjected to rigorous hand sorting and refinement process. The whole berries were gently delivered to tank. Cold soaks lasted five to seven days, and fermentations were managed via a combination of delestage and pumpovers. Extended maceration ranging from three to four weeks fine-tuned tannin profiles, allowing them to perfect mouth feel and complexity. Fermentations go through malolactic fermentation for added complexity. The result is a generous mouthful of rich, complex Pinot Noir, with nice layering, finishing with delightful notes of spice. The wine was aged 15 months in 100% French oak, 60% of which was new.
Analysis
Varietal: 100% Pommard Pinot Noir
Appellation: Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County (Los Carneros)
Vineyard: Sangiacomo Vineyard, Southern Sonoma
Aging: 15 Months in 100% French Oak, 60% New
pH: 3.9 TA: 5.7 g/L
Alcohol: 14.1%
Gold Medal
Generously packed with black cherry, cola, cassis, and plum that all intermingle together in a creamy, velvety texture with great layering, finishing with delightful notes of oak and spice. Persistent, well-defined structure, wonderfully balanced.
90 Points
Rich and voluptuous with ripe raspberry, cherry, and plum, layered with hints of lavender, fig compote, and exotic spice. Concentrated and complex, the palate is a balanced interplay cocoa, and a hint of espresso, creating both richness and intrigue. Vibrant acidity and silky tannins that contribute heft and length that coat the palate with luscious ripeness that keeps on giving.
Inky, plush, and cellar-worthy
The nose is an aromatic riot—a decadent mashup of blackberry, black cherry, and plum swirled with whimsical notes of red licorice, vanilla, and cocoa. A savory dust of spice, cedar, and a gentle kiss of oak adds a sophisticated edge to this fruit-forward powerhouse.
93 Points
Deep red hue and hints of violet teasing the senses with seductive aromas of dark fruits, wild berries, cocoa, baking spices, leather, and cigar box. Filled with saturated flavors of ripe blackberry, blueberry, cassis, cherry cola, ripe plum, chopped mint leaves, while the palate unfolds with rich tannin, juicy acidity, and flavors of cherry gastrique, berry coulis, herb mélange, and licorice.
98 Points
Deep purple hue and an alluring aromatic profile of fresh blue fruits and delicate violets. On the palate, it delivers a seamless and layered texture, framed by supple, polished tannins and a refined sense of balance. Elegantly structured, it offers remarkable purity and finesse, finishing with graceful length and poise.
94 Points
Deep red-purple with aromas of black currents, blackberry, plum, chocolate, earthy forest floor, licorice, graphite, and subtle floral notes of violet, spice and cracked pepper. The palate is full, structured and balanced with blackberry, currant, black cherry fruit with notes of earth, firm acid and silky tannins. Finishes big with blackberry fruit and peppery spice.
96 Point Vintage
Entices with aromas of Bing cherry, raspberry, and cedar spice. Indicative of the cool vintage, the wine carries a freshness throughout. The palate offers a harmonious balance between bright red fruit, spice, and nicely woven tannins.