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
95 Points
Rich and full-bodied, packed with dark fruit flavors of blackberry, ripe plum, and dark cherry. Notes of cocoa, cedar, and warm spice add complexity, while firm tannins and a touch of volcanic minerality reflect the bold characteristics of Calistoga’s terroir. Full-bodied in texture, and remarkably velvety. The tannins gracefully interweave, establishing a flawless equilibrium of acidity and pleasing fruit.
92 Points
Deep floral notes (violets), blackberry, black cherry, and cassis. Driven by the mountain's steep, cool-climate terroir, it balances rich notes of blackberry and pomegranate seamlessly intertwined with dark plum, cocoa dust, and roasted mocha, hints of roasted mocha and spice undertones add depth to its complex profile, culminating in a bold, yet elegant finish.
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.
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