Winemaker Notes
Pretty aromas of red fruits, rose water and lavender lead to a delightful palate of dried cherries, vanilla and spice. The wine is rich yet lively, with a mouthfeel of silky tannins and firm acidity. Earthy and savory dishes such as mushroom and sausage risotto, duck confit and chicken cacciatore would be sublime pairings with this wine.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
This bold, full-bodied wine is earthy in tar and leather. Black olive, licorice and blackberry follow, with elements of violet, orange peel and currant. It has well-integrated power and weight.
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Wine Spectator
Floral raspberry and toasty pepper aromas lead to tightly focused sweet anise and briary sage flavors that finish with refined tannins. Drink now through 2024
Among Italy's elite red grape varieties, Sangiovese has the perfect intersection of bright red fruit and savory earthiness and is responsible for the best red wines of Tuscany. While it is best known as the chief component of Chianti, it is also the main grape in Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and reaches the height of its power and intensity in the complex, long-lived Brunello di Montalcino. Somm Secret—Sangiovese doubles under the alias, Nielluccio, on the French island of Corsica where it produces distinctly floral and refreshing reds and rosés.
Nearly a northern extension of Napa Valley, Alexander Valley starts just north of the small, Knights Valley, and is just a few minutes drive from the Napa town of Calistoga. It is Sonoma County’s hottest AVA. But the Russian River, which runs through the valley, creates cooler pockets and its soft, alluvial soil is ideal for grape growing, especially Cabernet Sauvignon. In fact, some believe that Alexander Valley Cabernets truly rival the best from Napa Valley and many of the heavy-hitter producers have largely invested here.
In addition to Cabernet Sauvignon, which makes up over 50% of plantings, Merlot and old vine Zinfandel thrive here. Ample, fleshy Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc dominate white wine production. Some old-vine plantings of Grenache have also been discovered and more recent experiments with Sangiovese and Barbera show great promise.