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
97 Points
Aromas of blackberries, graphite, and crushed rock, along with cedar, tobacco leaf, cassis, and a medley of dry herbs and spice.
A substantial mouthfeel, full-bodied structure, firm tannins gracefully interweave, establishing a flawless equilibrium of acidity and pleasing fruit. Well-balanced acidity collaborate harmoniously to accentuate the intricate flavors of berry compote, spices, and oak nuances reminiscent of mocha.
95 Points
This stellar Napa Valley Red Blend marries lush plum and cherry with Malbec's dark berry depth and Petit Verdot's structure and spice. Layered with notes of blackberry, violet, and cocoa, this silky wine finishes with smooth tannins and a whisper of toasted oak. Robust and mouth-filling, with spicy nuances, smooth tannins, firm structure, and a long lingering finish.
97 Points
Lush and fleshy, with cassis, boysenberry, and blackberry notes guided by hints of alder and mesquite. Stays open but defined through the finish, with a buried hint of sweet tobacco. A rich, layered beast, this has a nose rife with currants, blackberries, vanilla, and light toast with flavors of mocha, plum, and Bing cherry that mingle harmoniously on the tongue.
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