96 Points - Christopher Sawyer, Sommelier to the Stars
VINEYARD
Alpicella Vineyards lies high above Sonoma Valley. This organically farmed, fully sustainable, and dry farmed vineyard has been lovingly hand tended by Dan Sanchez for over 22 years. It is the highest elevated Brunello Clone #6 Sangiovese in America.
VINTAGE
The grapes were hand-picked, rushed to the winery and cold soaked for three days. We used BM-45 premium yeast to ferment, the same yeast used on the great Brunello wines from Italy. 100% Alpicella Sangiovese.
TASTING NOTES
This vintage has lovely aromas of ripe berries, fresh violet, lavender, nutmeg, licorice, and earth. In the glass, the flavors expand with notes of fresh picked blackberry, blueberry, ripe raspberry, sage, clove, and hickory smoked almonds. Together, these lavish flavors, coupled with an elegant mouthfeel and a long engaging finish, make this a fantastic wine to serve with artisan cheeses, fresh pasta, risotto with wild mushrooms, lamb meatballs, grilled meats, and other styles of fine Mediterranean cuisine.
Appellation: Sonoma Valley
Vineyard: Alpicella Vineyard
Winemaker: Michael Muscardini
Blend: 100% Sangiovese
Alcohol: 14.2
Bottled: September 9, 2014
Cases Produced: 320
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.
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.
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