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
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.
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
A classic expression of coastal influenced Chardonnay with aromas of honey, apple chutney, lime blossom, and gentle Indian spice box undertones. A big juicy entry on the palate, showing a silky texture with excellent tension and structure, ending with a complex, layered finish.
96 Points
Aromas of blackberry, black cherry, huckleberry, floral violet and savory spice. The palate is full and layered, with robust, age-worthy tannins and gorgeous flavors of dark berries, mocha and chocolate-covered cherries mingling with hints of graphite, fig and fine leather. Smooth tannins, firm structure and silky texture coat the palate on route to a long, generous finish.
Exceptional!
Reddish-purple in color with aromas of blackberry, plum, pomegranate, herbs de Provence, and licorice. The palate is full, structured and balanced with blackberry, currant, black cherry, cassis, and licorice that carries through, with notes of black pepper, mocha and chocolate. Very long, spicy, with a fruit-driven finish. Great aging potential.
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.
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