2008 Muscardini Cellars TESORO (Treasure)
Proprietary Red, Sonoma County

When we offered Muscardini Cellars’ Sangiovese on WineHeist, we weren’t sure how our customers would react to a traditional Italian variety grown in California.  We were stunned at the hugely enthusiastic response to this wonderful wine, so we jumped at the chance to offer you Muscardini’s "TESORO", based upon the not-so-traditional, but very Italian "Super-Tuscans".  Super-Tuscans arose when Italian winemakers (in Tuscany, of course) began planting French varieties like Cabernet, Merlot, and Syrah, often blending them with the native Sangiovese, resulting in stunning, world-class wines that were a little bit French, but still very Italian in style.  Muscardini has captured this spirit here in California, with their Tesoro, a blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet, and Syrah from some of Sonoma’s finest vineyards.

The 2008 Muscardini Tesoro is brilliant ruby in color, with stunning clarity.  The nose is primary at this young age, with sour cherry, Concord grape, and floral aromas.  The palate is loaded with black cherry, currant, and raspberry.  This is a full-bodied wine, with wonderful intensity and great length on the palate.  The acid from the Sangiovese really keeps things in balance, and allows the Tesoro to pair gracefully with food.  As with many blended wines, a little time in the cellar will really allow this to come into its own, though if you appreciate fresh, fruit forward wines, it is drinking well today.  A wine of this pedigree merits its price tag of $47, so to be able to get some at the incredible WineHeist price of $33 is an opportunity not to be missed.  Pick up a few bottles, lay them down and drink them over the next few years, and you will be very glad you did!

Vineyards: Monte Rosso Vineyard, Ty Caton, Deerfield Ranch
Appellation: Sonoma County
Winemaker: Michael Muscardini
Blend: Sangiovese 44%, Cabernet Sauvignon 30%, Syrah 26%
pH: 3.60
Alcohol: 14.89
Bottled: August 27, 2009
Cases Produced: 614

Tasting Notes  PDF

About The Winery...

Muscardini Cellars graces Sonoma Valley’s (Valley of the Moon) Monte Terra with its estate grape vines, family home and barrel room. You are welcome to visit us in their Kenwood tasting room. 

History of Muscardini Cellars
1892, when Michael Muscardini's grandfather, Emilio Alchera, was born in the village of Calliano, just outside of the city of Asti in the Piemonte region. Emilio came to America in 1909 via Ellis Island in New York.  After heading to the West Coast by train to meet his two brothers, Antonio and Louis, he settled in San Francisco.  Emilio began his living in California by helping to dig the Caldecott Tunnel, which connects the East Bay to Contra Costa County. After saving his money, he began to buy and run corner grocery stores where he sold fine bulk wines, and in his spare time made a red table wine for the family.  His business would eventually become the "St. Helena Napa Valley Wine Company."

Learn more at www.muscardinicellars.com.

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