83% Sangiovese, 17% Carignano When Italian immigrants first came to the California north coast, particularly inland Mendocino, and looked around, they saw familiar "terroir." The topography of the Ukiah, Calpella, and Redwood Valley areas is reminiscent of hilly Tuscany. Rolling, rocky hillsides around Lake Mendocino and Redwood valley benchlands are the best sites and yield the best ripening grapes. Sangiovese must be restrained in its fervor to set lots of fruit. Repeated thinning during the early and mid-growing season helps to reduce crop load and guarantee optimal flavor development. The close working relationship with the local growers insures low yields and high quality. Hot summer days, followed by the cool coastal influences at night helps build in the color, flavor and structure required. The Sangiovese and Carignano, both from Redwood Valley, make this blend very "Chianti-like" with light floral and berry jelly notes. Nuances of rose hips plus some soft brown sugar flavors, red raspberry, and vanillin are supported by a firm acid structure.