Winemaker Notes
This unique wine is the perfect culmination of John Bargetto's passion and dedication to producing exquisite wine in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Regan's Nebbiolo is a blend John coined "Power Piemonte", which is 84% Regan Nebbiolo and 16% Perrucci Cabernet (from Los Gatos). Aged in French upright-tank oak.
Professional Ratings
-
Wine Enthusiast
Since it contains a bit of Cabernet Sauvignon, vintner John Bargetto is calling this a “Power Piedmonte,” and the first vintage shows much promise. Hints of black cherry and charcoal converge on the nose, while the palate is wrapped in tight tannins that offer cherry and tar flavors as well as a vanilla-kissed finish. Expect more magic with patience. Drink 2025-2040.
Cellar Selection
Responsible for some of the most elegant and age-worthy wines in the world, Nebbiolo, named for the ubiquitous autumnal fog (called nebbia in Italian), is the star variety of northern Italy’s Piedmont region. Grown throughout the area, as well as in the neighboring Valle d’Aosta and Valtellina, it reaches its highest potential in the Piedmontese villages of Barolo, Barbaresco and Roero. Outside of Italy, growers are still very much in the experimentation stage but some success has been achieved in parts of California. Somm Secret—If you’re new to Nebbiolo, start with a charming, wallet-friendly, early-drinking Langhe Nebbiolo or Nebbiolo d'Alba.
A rugged and topographically diverse cool-climate appellation with a rich history, the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA stretches from Half Moon Bay, just south of San Francisco, to the northern border of Monterey County. Elevations range from 800 feet to upwards of 3,000 and microclimates vary substantially depending on which side of the mountains the vineyards lie; cool ocean winds and fog play an important role here. This can be a challenging region in which to grow grapes, but it is well worth the effort. Santa Cruz Mountains wines are noted for balanced acidity levels, often showing great aging potential. Wine has been made here since the 1800s, most notably from the legendary Ridge Vineyards, whose Monte Bello vineyard garners international admiration.
Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon are the stars of this region, while Merlot and Zinfandel also perform quite well. Organic and sustainable vineyard practices are becoming increasingly common.