Double Gold - 2017 American Fine Wines Comp.
Best of Class - 2017 California State Fair Comp.
In the 1970s and 80s, Italian wine underwent a quality revolution, especially in Tuscany, where quality-minded producers bucked government regulations and planted the grapes that they felt would perform best in their unique terroir. The resulting wines were often blends of French and Italian grapes. In California our own quality revolution was happening around the same time, but mostly revolved around French grapes, and it is only recently that more focus has been put on finding land suited to Italian varieties. One of those leading the charge for quality Italian varietal wines in California is Michael Muscardini, a frequent WineHeist collaborator. This wine was made in the Super Tuscan style and barrel aged for fourteen months. The varietals were fermented separately and then blended four months before bottling. 52% Napa Sangiovese, 24% Deerfield Syrah, and 24% Cassata Cabernet Sauvignon.
The 2012 Tesoro is deep, dark and inky, this new blend starts with lofty aromas of wild berries, ripe red fruits, fresh violets, cocoa, fine leather, and cigar box. On the palate, the rich flavors are highlighted by intensive notes of brambly blackberry, dark cherry, cassis, black currant, roasted plum, cocoa, vanilla, savory spices, smooth and silky texture, with a long, engaging finish. Drinks well now and will for another decade. A fantastic wine to pair with slow-roasted pork, duck, beef tenderloin, hearty stews, and Osso Bucco.
Winemaker: Michael Muscardini
Appellation: Sonoma County
Varietals: 51% Sangiovese, 25% Syrah, and 24% Cabernet Sauvignon
Barrel Aging: 36 months
Harvested: September 7, 2012
Bottled: May 12, 2016
Alcohol: 14.8%
Cases Produced: 614
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90 Points
Rich and voluptuous with ripe raspberry, cherry, and plum, layered with hints of lavender, fig compote, and exotic spice. Concentrated and complex, the palate is a balanced interplay cocoa, and a hint of espresso, creating both richness and intrigue. Vibrant acidity and silky tannins that contribute heft and length that coat the palate with luscious ripeness that keeps on giving.
94 Points
Juice explodes right out of the glass with its dark purple in color and bursting aromas of black cherry jam, boysenberry, raspberry and wild cherry interlaced with hints of baking spice, espresso bean, and toasted nut. The palate is ripe and juicy with flavors of dark cherry, huckleberry and raspberry perfectly integrated with notes of spice, dark chocolate, and a kiss of toasty oak.
94 Points
Deep red-purple with aromas of black currents, blackberry, plum, chocolate, earthy forest floor, licorice, graphite, and subtle floral notes of violet, spice and cracked pepper. The palate is full, structured and balanced with blackberry, currant, black cherry fruit with notes of earth, firm acid and silky tannins. Finishes big with blackberry fruit and peppery spice.
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