Gold Medal - Orange County Wine Competition, 2013
Voted Best Micro Winery! - California State Fair
Sangiovese is best known as the primary grape of the Chianti region of Italy, but it is slowing growing in acreage in California and elsewhere in the world. Today’s WineHeist comes from a planting on one of Sonoma County’s most famous vineyards, Monte Rosso, planted high above the town of Sonoma in the late 19th century. This site at the southern tip of the Mayacamas Mountains is known for its volcanic soil, and the powerful, structured wines that it produces. The 2010 will be the last release of the Monte Rosso Sangiovese from Muscardini, so don’t miss out on this stunner.
The 2010 Muscardini Monte Rosso Sangiovese is deep ruby in color, with a powerful nose of black berries and cherry, nutmeg, and fig. The palate shows more cherry, with currant and dried herb. Ripe fruit is carried through on the finish with generous acidity. Showing a richer side to sangiovese, this wine brings out the classic flavors that the Monte Rosso vineyard is known for. Don’t miss this last chance at Sangiovese from one of California’s great vineyards.
Appellation: Sonoma County
Vineyard: Monte Rosso Vineyard
Winemaker: Michael Muscardini
Blend: 100% Sangiovese
Alcohol: 14.5
Bottled: September 10, 2011
Cases Produced: 398
96 Points
Aromas of blackberry, black cherry, huckleberry, floral violet and savory spice. The palate is full and layered, with robust, age-worthy tannins and gorgeous flavors of dark berries, mocha and chocolate-covered cherries mingling with hints of graphite, fig and fine leather. Smooth tannins, firm structure and silky texture coat the palate on route to a long, generous finish.
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.
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.
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.
PDF