Pininfarina Vino Rosso 2005 Front Label
Pininfarina Vino Rosso 2005 Front Label

Winemaker Notes

The 2005 Pininfarina Napa Valley Vino Rosso is a great expression of the character of the Napa Valley. The aromas start off with a hint of vanilla and nutmeg spice, which quickly gives way to black currant and raspberry aromas which meld with background aromas of ripe blueberries and a hint of violets. In the mouth, the first impression is of concentrated fruit, particularly black currants and blueberries. The tannins are ripe, sweet and chewy, giving the wine a very generous depth and structure, without harshness. This balance of fruit and ripe, fat tannins is one of the hallmarks of the best Napa Valley wines. The finish is smooth and elegant, with enough tannin to suggest good ageability.

The 2005 Vino Rosso is perfectly accessible for current enjoyment, however, it will really start to show its prime between 2010 and 2012. For those with the proper cellaring conditions, and a generous bit of patience, the ultimate peak for this wine will probably be between 2017 and 2021.

For food pairings, try something based on game fowl; such as a duck confit, or slow roasted pheasant with a demi-glace. Another great combination is the traditional Milanese veal osso buco, served with a saffron risotto. Blend: 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Cabernet Franc, 6% Sangiovese, 5% Petit Verdot

Production: 1,125 cases

Professional Ratings

  • 90
    Made solidly in the modern cult style of fruity ripeness, softness and rich oak shadings, this inaugural red from Gary Heck is a Cab-based Bordeaux blend with a splash of Sangiovese. It has complicated layers of blackberries, cherries, currants and milk chocolate. Quite delicious in primary fruit flavors, it could well be an ager.
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Undoubtedly proving its merit over and over, Napa Valley is a now a leading force in the world of prestigious red wine regions. Though Cabernet Sauvignon dominates Napa Valley, other red varieties certainly thrive here. Important but often overlooked include Merlot and other Bordeaux varieties well-regarded on their own as well as for their blending capacities. Very old vine Zinfandel represents an important historical stronghold for the region and Pinot noir is produced in the cooler southern parts, close to the San Pablo Bay.

Perfectly situated running north to south, the valley acts as a corridor, pulling cool, moist air up from the San Pablo Bay in the evenings during the hot days of the growing season, which leads to even and slow grape ripening. Furthermore the valley claims over 100 soil variations including layers of volcanic, gravel, sand and silt—a combination excellent for world-class red wine production.

YNG31521_2005 Item# 99130