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
Gold Medal
Light pink in color with aromas of watermelon, cranberry, orange rind, and fresh spring flowers that leap from the glass. The palate offers more peach, strawberry, and melon, with an intriguing note of rose and hibiscus. It's crisp with just the perfect hint of red fruit, and delicate whisper of strawberry that gives goosebumps.
91 Points
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.
96 Point Vintage
Entices with aromas of Bing cherry, raspberry, and cedar spice. Indicative of the cool vintage, the wine carries a freshness throughout. The palate offers a harmonious balance between bright red fruit, spice, and nicely woven tannins.
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.
PDF