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.