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
Legendary Sangiacomo Robert's Road Vineyard
Shimmering ruby-purple hue. The nose is a walk through a damp Sonoma forest—mossy bark and wild earth—brightened by high-toned notes of cranberry sauce and blood orange. On the palate, it's generously long in the mouth, with good concentration. It's a masterclass in tension: intense, cherry and red current fruit meets dark spice and fine, sandy tannins.
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