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95 Points | Press Democrat North Coast Challenge | July 2020
93 Points | International Women's Wine Competition | June 2019
Double Gold Medal | Press Democrat North Coast Challenge | July 2020
Gold Medal | International Women's Wine Competition | June 2019
Tasting Notes
This intriguing Sangiovese introduces a mouth-watering fragrance of caramel and toasted espresso bean, accentuated by subtle notes of summer berries and lavender. The ripe fruit in the front of the palate is driven by bold black cherry notes balanced upon herbaceous traces of clove and mint leaf. The focused acidity of this wine brings an enjoyably tart pomegranate quality to its silky finish.
Vintage Notes
The 2017 growing season started with record-breaking rainfall refreshing our vineyards after several dry years. The mild spring led to a timely bud break and good fruit set, followed by cool mornings and warm, sunny days throughout the summer months. Our first grapes of the season were “blessed” on August 25, officially beginning the St. Francis harvest. A few days of intense heat at the beginning of September sped up ripening throughout the region. Well-timed picks throughout the month meant the majority of the fruit was in by the first week of October.
Vineyard Notes
Sangiovese grows best in moderately warm climates, which is why this Sonoma Valley vineyard block has been the perfect match. Warm days with cool nights allow this varietal to have the long growing season it needs to soften tannins and acidity, as well as fully develop its characteristic strawberry notes. A naturally vigorous varietal, this Sangiovese block is dry farmed.
Winemaker Notes
In the spirit of our Italian heritage, this super Tuscan inspired blend was made to reflect its traditional characteristics. Notoriously slow to ripen, the Sangiovese grapes were picked at the end of September and put into a combination of open-top & closed-top tanks to produce a better aroma and texture. The fruit was later combined with Estate Cabernet Sauvignon from Sonoma Valley. Both tanks underwent a 3-day cold soak before inoculation, and slow fermentation.
WINEMAKER
COLLECTION
GRAPE VARIETIES
89% Sangiovese
11% Cabernet Sauvignon
11% Cabernet Sauvignon
ALCOHOL
14.2 %
CASES PRODUCED
850
AGING
15 Months
Bottling Date
Apr 2019
Barrel
100% Neutral French Oak
