93 Points - 2014 LA Int'l Wine Competition
Gold Medal, Best Of Class - 2014 LA Int'l Wine Competition
Pope Valley is probably one of the least well-known sub-regions in Napa, for several reasons, including the fact that it was planted later than the rest of the valley, and that it is far removed from the tourist action along Highway 29 and the Silverado Trail. For this reason, the wines tend to be better values than those from Napa Valley proper, and there is also a little more diversity in the grapes planted. One grape that seems particularly suited to Pope Valley's soils and climate—with big day/night temperatures swings—is Sangiovese. Today's offering is from the 2011 vintage, from our good friends at Muscardini.
The 2011 Muscardini Cypress Ranch Sangiovese is from the Sangiovese grosso clone, the same one used in the Brunello di Montalcino region of Italy. Growing it in Napa results in a bigger, darker wine than those grown in Chianti. The Muscardini is medium ruby to garnet in color, with vanilla, cherry, and white pepper on the nose. The palate is spicy, with cherry and blackberry joined by dried herb and flower notes. Lots of acid and round tannins that soften with air highlight the finish, with good length and supple mouthfeel. This is a really exciting Californian twist on an Italian classic.
Appellation: Napa County
Vineyard: Cypress Ranch
Winemaker: Michael Muscardini
Blend: 100% Sangiovese
Alcohol: 14.7
Bottled: September 4, 2012
Cases Produced: 498
94 Points
Decadent, rich, and supple. Aromas of black cherry, dark chocolate, crushed stone, dried herbs, and cedar lead into layered notes of cassis, fennel, baked plums, mocha powder, and cigars dusted with roasted Herbs de Provence, earth and red volcanic mineral notes. Full-bodied and rich, with a firm spine of racy acidity and ultra-fine, gravelly tannins that carry the lasting, mouthwatering finish.
93 Points
Aromas of blackcurrant, dark plum, and cedar unfold alongside soft notes of vanilla and toasted oak. On the palate, structured tannins frame layers of black cherry, baking spice, and a subtle herbal lift from the Merlot blended beneath the Cabernet's backbone. Medium-bodied gem with good concentration finishing long and warm, with lingering impressions of cocoa and dried fig.
94 Points
A full-throttle, blackberry-driven red, laden with chalky minerality and layered with robust tannins. Violet scents mingle with fig and plum fruit in a medium- to full-bodied expression that hits all the right chords, delivering a pleasing one-two punch to the senses.
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