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
94 Point Vintage
Deep garnet core with an elegant ruby-brick rim—a striking sign of its library maturity. Aromas of black cherry, cassis, and macerated blackberry, seamlessly transitioning into sophisticated layers of cedar, graphite, crushed violet, and cured tobacco. A savory accent of bay laurel, cocoa nib, and warm earth adds impressive intrigue. The palate delivers dense dark fruit framed by velvety, melted tannins and vibrant acidity that keeps the wine lifted and fresh. Finishes long and seamlessly, lingering with espresso, black plum, aged leather, and a fine crushed-stone minerality.
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